Tsunami fund spent tourism projects
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Villagers in the Indian state of Kerala have claimed that charitable funds raised following the 2004 tsunami have been spent on tourism projects, rather than being allocated to rebuild their homes, a report by The Times of London has alleged.
More than GBP10 million (US$17 million) from the Indian government’s Tsunami Rehabilitation Programme has reportedly been allocated to areas unaffected by the tsunami, including large construction projects in the resort town of Kovalam. These allegedly include a surf reef, designed to increase the size of waves hitting the coast - a project locals have said will put 500 fishermen out of work.
“To spend funds meant for the rehabilitation of tsunami-affected communities on tourism projects that will bring them no benefits and will undermine coastal-protection measures will make a mockery of the huge donor support provided by individuals and governments across the world,” Tricia Barnett of the pressure group Tourism Concern was quoted as saying.
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