Repair of roofs, providing power, water get priority
The disaster areas have been demarcated into six subdivisions--Ranavirugama, Salawa I, Boralugoda, Anandagama, Maturugama and Salawa II--each under the purview of a senior military officer. Hundreds of troops have been moved in for reconstruction. Roofs are getting top priority, followed by water and electricity.
The Kosgama Government Hospital took a serious hit. Shortly afterwards, a provincial minister said it would be razed to the ground and a new building erected, said Dr. D.S.K. Liyanage, the District Medical Officer. But a week later, the Navy deployed one thousand men in two batches. Within 48 hours, the hospital rose from its ashes looking better than ever.
It still smells of fresh paint. It has a new roof and ceiling, repaired floors and walls, modern waiting chairs, clean sheets and beds. The Navy did an amazing job, Dr Liyanage said. The outpatient department was restored by the Army.
Those who received their service said the military were carrying out an efficient, professional job at reconstruction. “They are excellent,” said Sriyakanthi Godagama, a resident. “Everyone says so.”
The immediate objective is to keep out the elements and to make the houses habitable again by mending shattered roofs. A large number of homes were seen with new roofs. More than 350 Army personnel have been deployed at Ranavirugama alone, tasked with repairing 108 houses. Roofs on 59 houses were completed by Friday.
The rebuilding effort is not without challenges. One of the main constraints is securing a regular supply of building material, particularly roofing sheets. Production has not kept up with demand, causing some delays. There is, for instance, a shortage of electrical wiring. The military is also careful to observe procurement guidelines to the letter, in order to avoid future complications.
The rains started this week. Intermittent downpours have rendered roofs and exposed beams slippery. Care is being taken to minimise injuries among soldiers. More showers could add to delays.