USAID launches water project in disaster, CKD prone areas

Jan 10, 2017 (LBO) - The United States government joined the Sri Lankan government to launch an approximately 150 million rupees ($1 million) program to provide safe disaster-resilient drinking water to local communities. “The United States is committed to help Sri Lankan families who face daily struggles with reliable sources of clean drinking water,” said U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap. In total, over 100,000 people are expected to benefit directly from this project. The project’s scope includes building rainwater harvesting tanks, providing pipe-borne drinking water facilities, and renovating local infrastructure to reduce the effects of floods and droughts. Locations of rainwater harvesting tanks will be prioritized for families and hospitals affected by the rising challenge of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) in this country, supporting the efforts of President Mithripala Sirisena and the government of Sri Lanka to address this critical health concern. In addition, the program will support national and regional-level policies to minimize the impact of such disasters, while helping local communities adopt sustainable solutions for disaster-related water and hygiene needs. “I also take this opportunity to thank USAID for the excellent support provided to Sri Lanka in promoting rainwater harvesting and improving new technologies,” said State Minister for City Planning and Water Supply Sudharshini Fernandopulle at the launch ceremony. USAID is again partnering with Lanka Rain Water Harvesting Forum (LRWHF), a local organization with 20 years of experience introducing simple and inexpensive options for safe, potable water. This new project will target communities in the North, East, and Uva province exposed to frequent natural disasters.  Palm Foundation will provide communities in the Eastern province with pipe water, rainwater harvesting tanks, and local training.