ADB grants Rs. 220 m to improve community-based water supply and sanitation facilities in north

The Government has already commenced a Water Supply and Sanitation Project with ADB financing with the view to improve water supply and sanitation facilities of the people in Jaffna and Kilinochchi Districts in line with the Government’s target of providing safe drinking water for all citizens. Subsequently, the Japanese Fund for Poverty Reduction has also agreed to provide a Grant Assistance of US$ 2 million (approximately Rs. 220 mn) to improve water supply and sanitation facilities of the people in 23 rural villages in Delft, Mathagal-East, Shanthai, and Vaddakachchi-East and Central, which are not covered under the above project.

The Government of Sri Lanka contribution for the project is SLR 28.7 million (US$ 0.26 million) while the in-kind community contribution will be SLR 17.3 million (US$ 0.18 million). It is expected to achieve the following benefits by completion of this Project and all the activities of the project are scheduled to be completed by 30 June 2014.

To provide new low-cost household sanitation systems with septic tank for 550 poor rural households

15 demonstration rainwater-harvesting tanks will be built at public institutions in the project area

To  involve 40 households in Delft area in pilot solar distillation scheme

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) and; Delft, Valikamam South West and, Karachchi Pradeshiya Sabhas are to serve as the project implementing Agencies under the supervision of the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage.

Secretary to the Ministry of Finance and Planning, P. B. Jayasundera, on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka and Country Director - the ADB, Rita O’Sullivan on behalf of the Asian Development Bank have signed the Grant Agreement.