Fishermen’s Livelihood

Working to rebuild the bunds

In Jaffna, the tsunami not only destroyed thousands of boats but it also destroyed the ancient anchoring points and coastal bund system that is part of the essential fishing infrastructure.

Bulldozer from the South brought to Jaffna.

Sewalanka Foundation Jaffna had identified in close consultation with the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Divisional Secretariat and Fishermen’s Federations and Societies, that the clearing and rebuilding of these bunds was necessary for fishermen to be able to restart their livelihoods.

A bund is a natural coastal barrier, reinforced through man-made efforts with rocks; it protects fishermen and their equipment from the deep sea. There are 25 anchoring entry points along the 14 km barrier between Point Pedro and Thondamanaru; they were all destroyed or damaged in the tsunami.

“In terms of livelihood redevelopment, if the entry points and barriers are not fixed when the fishermen have their equipment then they will not be able to access the sea.” Explains Ms. Lakshi Abeyasekara, Sewalanka Director of Special Projects.

Therefore with the assistance of German Agro Action, Sewalanka Foundation funded work-crews of up to 60 manual labourers to start the rebuilding process. Considering the heavy nature of the work, Sewalanka Foundation also arranged for a bull-dozer that can work in water to be transported from Colombo. This machine can only work six to seven hours per day; so it takes between seven and fourteen days to complete one anchor entry point.

This time-intensive project started in February 2005 and is expected to be completed by September 2005.

Fishermen in Point Pedro undertake the labour intensive work to rebuild the boat anchoring points.

Communities working together

One unique component of this project is that most of the work is being undertaken in the High Security Zone of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. This means that in order for approval to be sought and work undertaken, community members, local Government Agents and the Security Forces have to meet regularly to discuss the projects progress and work out any difficulties.

The project also required the support of the LTTE as the heavy machinery had to travel from Colombo by land through the LTTE controlled areas.

As one fisherman explains, “We are grateful that this project has started, whilst we are waiting for new boats or the old ones to be repaired, it gives an opportunity to work for some income.”

>> For further information please contact:
Ms. Lakshi Abeyasekara on 024) 222 1354