The
effective use of locally available skills, materials and appropriate
technology has proven to be an economically viable approach
for rural infrastructure development.
The ILO Area Office in Sri Lanka has taken
steps to introduce strategies related to this approach to Sri
Lanka through the relevant authorities since mid 2004.
Some
of the activities introduced and planned are highlighted below:
•
Labour Based Appropriate Technology (LBAT) was introduced
as an effective tool for the construction and maintenance
of rural roads, by initial dialogue and a process of awareness
creation with collaborative partners, viz. Sri Lanka Institute
of Local Governance (SLILG), Intermediate Technology Group
(ITDG), Institute for Construction Training and Development
(ICTAD) and the University of Moratuwa.
•
A number of teaching materials and training modules on labour
based technology, planning, maintenance and contract management
has been developed, and translated into local languages. They
are targeted for training technical personnel and contractors
who work at the provincial, district and local (PS & DS)
levels. The ILO/ASIST Regional Office provides technical support
to the local technical partners.
•
Under 4R Project, the first TOT was conducted for technical
officials working in the war-affected districts in the Northeast
Province and in a few tsunami-affected districts in the South.
•
Cash for Work programme with DFID funding was initiated to
create immediate and short-term income revenues and employment
opportunities for the tsunami-affected individuals and families,
in selected locations.
•
Labour-based surface options for rural road design in Sri
Lanka are being introduced to policy makers and practitioners
through public seminars, training workshops and transferring
the available services in the region.
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