Access Engineering concludes rural community development

Rehabilitated ‘Kuda Nelungola’ Tank

Construction of Agricultural Well

Yakawewa is a rural village situated in Kebithigollawa, Anuradhapura District in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Located on the border of the former conflict zone, Yakawewa experienced more than its share of violence in Sri Lanka’s 30-year-long conflict. 

Although, six years have gone by since the conflict ended, the economic and agricultural development in the village hasn’t shown any impactful progress. The restoration of the livelihoods of these communities which were primarily dependent upon irrigation-based agriculture necessitates the re-establishment of the water resources which were dilapidated during the times of the conflict.

Recognising the need, Access Engineering PLC embarked a journey to empower this community whose greatest need was water; as most of the reservoirs which provided them water for agricultural purposes were covered by over grown vegetation and couldn’t retain or circulate the water required for agriculture. 

Access Engineering initiated the restoration of the desolate water base by rehabilitating ‘Kuda Nelungola’ reservoir; the abandoned muddy water puddle to a rich basin of water which could nourish acres of lands which used to yield a rich harvest. Inadequate rain fall also made portable water scarce and made the restoration of ‘Kuda Nelungola’ an asset to the livelihood of the village.

 

Access Engineering constructed an agricultural well with a pump system to facilitate the yearly paddy harvest as well as the plantation of other crops during the dry season. A water purification plant with a capacity of 5,000 litres per day was installed along with a deep tube well and an elevated storage tank with a pump system. The construction and the restoration work were implemented engaging the local work force which created the opportunity for the village community to work together in creating peace and harmony. 

In a further endeavour to uplift this striving community, Access Engineering undertook a series of initiatives needed to create a steady learning environment for the marginalised children who are studying in Yakawewa. Through this program sports equipments, school furniture, clothing, books and other study material were distributed to selected schools in the area after identifying their needs.