Repairing livelihoods

Repairing local boats.

Godawaya is a small fishing hamlet located between Ambalantota and Hamantota, in the southeastern coastal area of Sri Lanka. About 187 fishing families live in this village. As a result of the tsunami on 26 December 2004, the fisher folk in this community suffered the loss of boats, 37 storage sheds, equipment and other fishing gear. Houses belonging to three fishermen were also completely destroyed. The villagers were feeling helpless and uncertain, and for two weeks after the devastation the village stood silent and still.

During this time of uncertainty Practical Action in association with the CEYNOR Foundation met with these villagers to talk about the possibility of beginning repairs to the boats. The villagers responded positively despite the dismal situation they had found themselves confronting.

Fortunately, they not only had the will but also the potential. There were already fishermen in the village with the technical skills to repair boats. The guidance and material provided to them by Practical Action and CEYNOR helped them to recover fast.

Villagers with a technical know-how on fibreglass boat repairs were taught techniques associated with fibreglass moulding, assessing and estimating repair costs. Finally, they were given their own workshop to build and repair fibreglass boats.

Dhammika is now both a fisherman and a mechanic who deals with boat engine repairs, with a small workshop in his house. Previously Dhammika had been a radio technician when he wasn't out fishing in the sea. Following the tsunami, his knowledge of electronics had motivated him to try his hand at engine repairs. He underwent a two-week training course on engine repairs and fibreglass moulding at a nearby fishery training institute.

Dhammika now works with Sunil and Ranjan to attend to the fibreglass repairs. Although Ranjan and Sunil's main occupation is still fishing, both lend a hand to repair boats. Ranjan mastered the art of fibreglass molding whilst working in a fibreglass factory in the Middle East. Sunil, like Dhammika, underwent a two-week training programme on fibreglass boat building conducted by the Fishery Training Institute.

In the aftermath of the tsunami, Dhammika only charged a minimal sum of around 750 Rupees (£4) to repair each boat. Today, many of the fishermen from neighbouring villages such as Kirinda, Pallamalala, Tangalle and Hamabantoa still get their engines repaired by Dhammika. Many other villagers also help out, assisting Sunil, Ranjan and Dhammika in repairing the boats. This community collaborative spirit has given the villagers a new lease of life.

The opportunity provided to repair and restore their own boats was much more appealing than being the passive receivers of aid. With our help, these villagers have realised and achieved their own potential.

To see more about this work watch this video: