Australia and World Vision provide safe drinking water

Responding to an immediate need for safe drinking water in Jaffna district, World Vision Lanka following a request by the Government has launched a water distribution with funding from the Australian aid program.

This project addresses the immediate issue of contaminated ground water and the shortage of clean water in Uduvil and Thellipalai divisions, an ongoing problem. The number of affected people who will receive assistance is estimated at 21,668 people.

World Vision will also distribute 6,600, 10-litre cans to vulnerable families such as female-headed households and those with a large number of dependents, so that beneficiaries can transport and store water as needed.

Australian development assistance focuses on poverty reduction, with programs in lagging regions across the country.

Counsellor for Development at the Australian High Commission Charlotte Blundell said, "The Australian Government has stepped in following requests from government officials in Jaffna and Colombo.

World Vision will work closely with the District Disaster Management Unit and the District Secretariat, and the appointed Task Force to address the prevailing issue. 200,000-litre capacity water tanks and stands will be presented to the District Secretary.

Around 15 litres of drinking water will be available to each person daily, during the project period of three months.

World Vision Lanka's National Director Suresh Bartlett said, "The lack of access to clean drinking water in Jaffna has been an issue that World Vision has been looking to address through its long-term development programs."

The families in the targeted areas will also receive health promotion information and hygiene awareness. Over the years, population growth, environmental degradation including improper solid waste dumping, salt water intrusion, unrestricted use of fertiliser and pesticide has aggravated the problem of ground water contamination in the Jaffna district, particularly in Chunnakam.