Owner-Driven Approach to Housing in Angulana, Sri Lanka

On December 26, 2004, tsunami waves hit the eastern shore of Sri Lanka, curled around the southern tip, ricocheted off India, then crashed back into Sri Lanka –this time on the western shore. 40,000 people died, 5,000 were missing, and more than 440,000 were displaced.

On the edge of Angulana--a town one hour’s drive outside Colombo--lived a vulnerable community of families whose shanty homes dot the ocean front. When the tsunami hit they became landless:  refugees in their own country.

In 2005, CRWRC began a variety of programs to assist the community. First they built temporary shelters for 185 families in a Colombo school yard. When it became apparent that families would have a hard time relocating, CRWRC began a series of projects within the camp. They addressed health concerns, established educational programs, and renovated shelters. While camp conditions improved, CRWRC looked for a way to help families find more permanent homes.

The first challenge was to secure to land. Since these families had lived within 200 meters of the shore line, the government ruled that it was too dangerous to move back. They needed new land. In order for families to receive funds for land purchases, CRWRC helped beneficiaries open bank accounts and lobby for government compensation, both for land and housing.

Once families purchased land the next challenge was to obtain building permits. Plans were often rejected unless a bribe was paid. With the help and advocacy of CRWRC, families were able to hold the government accountable. Eventually building permits were granted.

In August 2007, construction finally began. For the labour and building materials of each new house CRWRC contributed $3,500 (U.S.) and the Sri Lankan government committed $2, 500 (U.S.). Government regulations were for houses of 500 square feet and to be made of either bricks or cement blocks.

In the early stages of the project CRWRC developed an owner-driven approach to construction which became very successful. Families hired their own contractors and bought their own supplies; since suppliers charge NGOs a much higher price, this method proved to be quite cost effective. Many households had skilled family members do the labour themselves, empowering them to create their own housing solutions, while others learned new skills. As a result, families took more pride and responsibility in the work.

CRWRC was involved in the process, from beginning to end. They provided the advice to fill out government documents, the financial support needed to build houses, the housing plans and technical support staff to monitor the building process. A staged approach was used: after each stage of construction was completed, funds for the next stage were disbursed. In this way CRWRC maintained control over the spending.

George and Toni Fernhout, CRWRC’s International Relief Managers, stayed for the duration of the 3 ½ year project, managing the complicated owner driven approach, and engaging the government to live up to its obligations. Thanks to the hard work of this couple, CRWRC was able to build as many houses as possible, seeking to be the best stewards of God’s money. To date, 105 Angulanan families have permanent homes, while 864 permanent houses overall were built across various locations in Sri Lanka.

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