CapNet-Lanka has been helping the NGO Plan to adopt an integrated approach to water supply, environmental sanitation and hygiene education in Sri Lanka. Now, a pilot study in two tea-estate communities in Sri Lanka demonstrates that Plan’s Water and Environmental Sanitation (WES) programme has resulted in a fivefold increase in water use. However, the study identified a need for further steps to make water safe, to deal with waste water and solid waste, and to ensure sustainability.

Plan, is a non-profit, humanitarian, child sponsorship organisation, and its WES programme adopts a demand responsive approach.

An evaluation in 2003 showed that measures in Plan’s Sri Lanka WES programme to protect water sources and catchment areas were inadequate, threatening the sustainability of water supply schemes. Poor solid and wastewater management of households exacerbated the pollution of water sources and catchment areas. The challenge has been to implement an integrated approach between water supply, environmental sanitation and hygiene education.

Photo: CapNet: Water use increased five times

CapNet-Lanka conducted an awareness programme on IWRM for Plan staff in March 2006. Subsequently, Plan WES technical advisors participated in an IWRM training of trainers course in September 2006, also conducted by CapNet-Lanka.

In early 2007 a CapNet-Lanka pilot study in two tea-estate communities, Great Valley in Deltota and Kelabokka in Kabaragala identified recharge areas and drainage networks, monitored water quantity and quality in upstream areas and water pollution downstream. A survey identified water management practices, health and sanitation. On 2 July 2007, a workshop was held with Plan Sri Lanka management and technical staff on the outcomes of the study. The main findings were:

• Priority is given to sustain sufficient water supply
• Water use has increased five times since individual taps were introduced, suggesting that water is also being used to improve sanitation
• Filtration has to be improved and people need to be educated to boil water before consumption
• Wastewater discharge and solid waste disposal have to be improved through low tech wastewater treatment (constructed wetlands), composting and home gardening
• Sustainability of the water supply scheme depends on the involvement of the beneficiaries and their commitment to the water supply scheme
• A strong water user association that includes members of the younger generation is vital for the sustainable use of water resources
• Behavioural changes in sanitation and collective actions are essential.

For more details on the study and action plan:e-mail CapNet Lanka.

Tags: capacity development, water quality, water resources management