EU, IOM provide water supply system to Ihalagama

The European Union (EU), through its implementing partner the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), provided a water supply system for the community of Ihalagama, in the Ampara district under its Community Livelihood Support Program.

This includes a water tank with a capacity of 60,000 litres and a pipeline supply system providing water to a distance of 11.6 km from Medagama to Ihalagama.

"Rocky terrain and groundwater salinity in the area meant that historically the Ihalagama community had great difficulty securing adequate water supplies for household needs, let alone livelihood activities," said Program Manager of the Community Livelihood Support Program, Nicola Rounce. "We are delighted to have been able to alleviate such a significant lack with the provision of this permanent supply system to the people of Ihalagama."

The system, which covers the whole village and directly supports over 900 beneficiaries, was handed over to the Mahaweli Authority on Tuesday, July 13.

The Community Livelihood Support Program, operates in the Ampara district and serves over a third of the district's population. The program primarily aims to provide social development and livelihood support to communities that have suffered the effects of the 2004 tsunami and the impact from years of conflict.