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NT Bureau
Chennai, Jan 10:
 

Consul General of USA in Chennai, David T Hopper declaring open the Tsunami Relief- Community Infrastructure, at the tsunami-hit Pudukalpakkam, near Chennai, on Monday. VHS honorary secretary, Dr N S Murali is also seen.

        'Throughout the tsunami relief phases, our theme 'building back better', has been helping the affected to receive better, more environmentally-friendly and more sustainable housing facilities than they had before', Consul General of USA in Chennai, David T Hopper said.

        He was dedicating a community hall constructed by the Voluntary Health Services (VHS) in association with the Association of Tamilnadu Medical Graduates (USA), at the tsunami-hit Pudukalpakkam, near here, on Monday. The facility was built at a cost of Rs 12 lakh.

        Stating that the participation of local communities in the relief and rehabilitation phases is crucial, the Consul General said they continued to work with the NGO partners focusing on water and sanitation, on working to protect women and children and on preparing shelters for the hot summer and the Northeast monsoon.

        He also said the assistance provided for the tsunami-affected region in Asia by private American citizens as 'partnership between Americans and Indians' and other organisations had totalled about US dollar 1.8 billion.

        'Indian-Americans are known for their charity work and philanthropy, both within the USA and in India', he said, adding that the public, private or a combination of both would improve the quality of life for those who need it most.

        Welcoming the gathering, honorary secretary, VHS, Dr N S Murali detailed about various community health work undertaken.

        Other projects dedicated were toilet complex at an estimated cost of Rs 4 lakh in Nemelikuppam by MCKS-Food for the Hungry Foundation India and VHS health centre at Sithalapakkam by the Rangammal Gopalachari Trust.

        Local panchayat leader, Loganathan demanded a primary health centre in the village since no hospital was near the vicinity. A bus stop was also needed.

        VHS, additional director, Dr Joseph Williams, its treasurer N Gopalakrishnan and vice president, Natarajan also spoke on the occasion.