A large-scale project being implemented by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) will bring piped water to nearly 100,000 people in the coastal areas of Ampara district, Sri Lanka.

The communities in these areas have long been dependent on wells or small supply networks for their drinking water. The wells often become polluted during the monsoon while, in the dry season, the water table drops and the water becomes brackish. The tsunami exacerbated the situation, rendering many wells unusable.

The project will lay more than 200 kilometres of pipeline, connecting households to mains water supply networks. 'The fact that communities will receive potable water will mean that they are less susceptible to water-borne diseases,' says Fidel Pena of the IFRC. This is the largest IFRC post-tsunami water project, and will be completed in 2010.

Work has already started on a 70 km pipeline network in the town of Akkaraipattu. Once work begins on the other pipelines, the IFRC will start the construction of a 1,000 cubic metre water tower that will supply the entire town of Pottuvil.

Related news:

• Sri Lanka: Tangalle water supply scheme brings safe water to thousands, Source South Asia, 17 Sep 2008;
• Sri Lanka: many post-tsunami housing schemes lack proper water and sanitation, Source South Asia, 21 Jan 2008

Source: Patrick Fuller, IFRC, 24 Oct 2008

Tags: emergencies, rural wash, south asia, water distribution