CII, Ford India launch community infrastructure projects

Chennai, Mar 20 (UNI) As part of Tsunami rehabilitation project, the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Ford India have launched community infrastructure projects at Pannaiyur Periakuppam, a coastal village near Kancheepuram district.

The launch function was held in the presence of Consul General of United States David T Hopper, Commissioner of Revenue K Santhanam and Kancheepuram District Collector Pradeep Yadav.

Soon after the disastrous Tsunami of December 2004, CII with the support of Ford India had planned a beneficial long-term rehabilitation project to support the people of Pannaiyur Periakuppam.

A three-pronged approach was designed to cater to the needs of the 255 families residing in the village to provide immediate livelihood, community infrastructure and capacity building.

Since the inception of the project during May 2005, active support was provided to the community by way of donating new boats, engines, conducting health camps, children's summer camps, tree plantation programmes, leadership training programmes and skill training for youth.

Insurance for boats, engines and fishermen had been undertaken.

Auto-Rickshaws were provided to SHG Women to scale up their fish vending business.

As part of the community Infrastructure project, roads were laid an a stretch of 2.5 km to connect Pannaiyur Periakuppam to ECR.

The existing government primary school building had been renovated as it was in a dilapidated condition, a CII release said adding a fish auction centre, community hall and community toilets had also been constructed, which were formally handed over to Panchayat officials today.

UNI