The initial construction stages for the nine Perth City Council homes adjoined to the WNS/Aviva Village

As the first step in this direction, the City of Perth funded the construction of 30 houses. These 30 houses, combined with additional donor support, have helped to relocate families in Seenigama who were affected by the '100 m regulation' which prevented the construction of houses 100 m from the coastline. Thus, these 30 homes were provided to village families who had previously lived in the 100 metre zone and were left destitute after the tsunami.

Of the 30 houses, nine of these were constructed just beyond the 100 metre zone in a property that the Foundation purchased to showcase a complex equipped with modern amenities, (including an Internet Cafe, Childrens Library, Communications Centre, Barber Shop/Salon, Grocery Store and a well-equipped Community Centre), funded by the AVIVA/Norwich Union bank. This modern housing park accommodates 19 homes altogether, including the nine Perth City Council houses. The other 21 houses are located beyond the 100 MT zone on their own lands.

All of these homes were completed by early 2006. To the recipients, these homes are their absolute pride and joy and something which they have never witnessed before. Residents have beautified each home according to their own personal tastes and skills as a sign of their utmost appreciation of this gift.

   
Some of the very happy recipients of the so generously donated Perth City Council houses

The Lord Mayor's Disaster Relief Fund (LMDRF) also provided the Foundation with an unexpected gift of AUD $11,122.27. This is acknowledged with tremendous gratitude and will reimburse the many additional costs that the Foundation incurred during construction.

The Perth City Council plans to continue its fundraising efforts for Seenigama and its longer term development. On behalf of the forever grateful recipients and the Foundation of Goodness, we wish to thank the Perth City Council and all those involved in completing this landmark housing project. We look forward to continuing our relations with our sister city of Perth in times to come.


View photographs of the nine-house cluster housing complex
View photographs of the 21 individual homes provided
Read an article about the Perth Lord Mayor's recent visit to Seenigama