The Foreign Affairs Ministry, in conjunction with the Ministerial Advisory Committee, has selected seven projects which are to benefit from the Tsunami Relief Fund. The projects were chosen following a selection process of long-term humanitarian and/or development assistance projects in Sri Lanka.

The total value of these projects amounts to Lm424,292. The Tsunami Relief Fund, consisting of funds collected through L-Istrina, is administered by the Ministerial Advisory Committee in such a way to provide maximum benefit for the victims of the tsunami, in collaboration with the governments of the affected countries and according to Malta Government Financial Regulations.

These projects will continue to be monitored throughout the period of implementation.

It is estimated that thousands of Sri Lankan people will benefit from these projects to be funded by the Maltese people through the money collected during L-Istrina:

• fishing boats to supply 525 families (over 2,000 people);

• renovation of a school attended by 2,000 students and 86 teachers;

• houses for 65 families (325 people);

• medical clinic for 2,000 people;

• sports and recreation project for 6,500 youths per year;

• employment of 60 people and income for 300 family members.

After issuing a call for Expressions of Interest last February, the ministry received a total of 14 project proposals for evaluation.

Out of the Lm490,000 (approximate figure) collected during L-Istrina, the Ministerial Advisory Committee for the Tsunami Relief Fund has decided to allocate, at this stage, a maximum sum of Lm430,000. The remaining funds will be allocated at a later stage.

Over the next few days, the ministry will be issuing letters of commitment for the selected projects to the responsible organisations and individuals. The formal, official presentation will take place before the end of the month.

The following is a detailed list and description of the projects chosen by the Ministerial Advisory Committee and approved by the minister Michael Frendo.

Selected projects

1. Malta Red Cross

Malta Red Cross is funding the building of a village to be known as Little Malta Village. The Malta Red Cross is already managing and supervising the building of Little Malta Village and together with the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society will ensure that the 65 houses are given to those families who lost their houses in the tsunami. Malta Red Cross is also building a clinic in the same village.

Total value: Lm131,820

2. SOS Malta

SOS Malta will continue to replace fishing boats in fishing villages identified as having lost most of the boats so that they can build their livelihood again.

Total value: Lm127,650

3. SOS Malta

SOS Malta will assist in the reconstruction and refurbishment of St Mary’s Convent School.

The aim is to ensure that the children of Matara return to the safe haven a school provides and a specified number of classes are equipped and suitable for class teaching.

Total value: Lm32,670

4. Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation / COMNET-IT

The project consists of the building of mini-telephone networks interconnected to the national backbone to serve selected rural communities by using different technologies selected according to the suitability of the topography and other requirements. This infrastructure is directed at facilitating the use of information and communication technology in the affected areas stimulating educational, training and commercial activities. This will also include the provision of internet points and work stations for free public use.

Total value: Lm64,000

5. Koperattiva Kummerc Gust

KKG aims to set up income generation projects focused on the fishermen and their families to empower them to be less dependent until such time their livelihoods is restored.

The interim income generation projects are fabrication of fibre glass canoes, manufacture of cement building blocks, spinning of coconut fibre twines and construction of houses for re-settlement.

Total value: Lm31,952

6. YMCA

The YMCA is proposing a programme to re-activate youth through sports and recreation. The number of youth benefiting from this programme is estimated to be 6,500 per annum. This will be done by setting up sports and recreation centres; a small open playfield and an indoor sports hall offering a wide range of sports and recreational programmes.

Total value: Lm35,000

7. Water Treatment Study

Engineer Marco Cremona, Dr John Mangion and Mr Josef Grech will travel to Sri Lanka in order to assess the present situation and come up with solutions by means of their expertise in water treatment to alleviate the current potable water problems faced by the population of Sri Lanka.

Their report will be forwarded to International Aid Agencies working in Sri Lanka and to the Sri Lankan government.

Total value: Lm1,200