USAID Clean Water project would benefit 100,000 affected by CKD

An approximately Rs. 150 million ($1 million) programme to provide safe disaster-resilient drinking water to local communities in Sri Lanka was launched by USAID last week.

State Minister Sudharshini Fernandopulle and MEP leader Dinesh Gunawardena joined USAID at the launch of the project which expands upon several previous USAID projects since 2012 that have provided sustainable access to drinking water to those areas in the South, East and North prone to droughts and floods.

"The United States is committed to help Sri Lankan families who face daily struggles with reliable sources of clean drinking water," said US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap.

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 prioritised for families and hospitals affected by the rising challenge of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) in this country, supporting the efforts of President Maithripala Sirisena and the government of Sri Lanka to address this critical health concern, according to a US embassy media release.

"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 organisation 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.