Coca Cola, UN-Habitat partnership Kilinochchi District supports rain water harvesting

Saturday, 7 September 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) in partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) is supporting a water-scarce community in Kilinochchi District to access potable water during the dry season through rain water harvesting. Implemented by UN-Habitat in close collaboration with the District Administration and the community, this project looks to establish roof top Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) systems in 120 houses and five public buildings in Punnaineeravi GN Division in Kilinochchi. To date, the systems have been completed in 40 houses while work is ongoing in a further 50 houses. The initiative is also encouraging ground water recharging through focused community awareness programs. Funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation, the project will be completed by October 2013.

The main aim of the project is to provide a sustainable solution for the community of Punnaineeravi to access water during the dry season. As the Northern Province receives a large volume of rainfall during the Northeastern monsoon rains from December to February, collection of rain water will help families access water easily during the ensuing dry season without the inconvenience of travelling long distances to fetch water. Currently, most families obtain drinking water from a water bowser supplied by the Pradeshiya Sabha. The project is providing each selected beneficiary family with a 3000 litre plastic water tank for rain water collection together with PVC pipes, gutters and other vital components to establish the system. Each public building is provided with two 5000 litre water tanks and components. The rain water collected in the public buildings will also be used by community members during water scarce periods. The beneficiary families and public buildings have been selected in consultation with the community and village administration in order to assist the most vulnerable beneficiaries who currently do not have access to a permanent water source. The Kallaru Women’s Rural Development Society, a community based organisation active in the GN Division, is assisting UN-Habitat to implement the project by hiring skilled workers, purchasing building materials and monitoring progress. UN-Habitat Sri Lanka Country Program Manager Laxman Perera stated: “UN-Habitat is pleased to partner with Coca-Cola on this water and sanitation initiative which is providing a sustainable solution to families in Punnaineeravi. We are very pleased that the community is closely involved in implementing and monitoring this project through a people’s participatory process.” Coca-Cola Sri Lanka Country Manager Abishek Jugran said: “Globally, Coca-Cola undertakes a number of initiatives in partnership with national and international organisations on water, climate protection, environment and healthy active living. In Sri Lanka, we are committed to building sustainable communities by working with several partners, including UN-Habitat, on water and sanitation projects. We are happy that the community is actively involved in this RWH initiative which will provide a valuable water source to the village during the dry season.”