In May 2018, ACTED implemented a Pernod Ricard-funded project aiming to repair and improve water facilities in public institutions in Welioya, in Mullaitivu District, benefitting more than 5,600 people.
Repairing the Water Purification Units
Welioya division in Mullaitivu District faces serious issues in terms of water quality and quantity. Due to this, it was found that water purification units in six schools and the main hospital had not been maintained properly, as a result of which they were no longer functional and needed to be repaired.
In response, ACTED repaired six water purification units, and provided essential plumbing to another purification unit. In addition, water filters were provided to six schools and the hospital. Following this, school and hospital staff, as well as School Development Committee members, were trained on the maintenance of the purification units to ensure the longevity of the repairs. This will help communities to keep the purification units in good condition.
Deepening the Well
In another school, the well was too limited in capacity to bring enough water to both the schools and the community. Consequently, the school students and members of the surrounding community often did not have water, and there was usually no water at all during the dry season. Students were drinking unsafe water or bringing their own water from home.
ACTED 2018
Deepening the well in Sampathnuwara school
To address this issue, ACTED deepened the well by eight feet, thereby significantly increasing the capacity of the well to provide enough safe water for both the school and the surrounding community.
Raising Awareness of Students About Good Hygiene Practices
Awareness sessions were conducted on good hygiene practices for the school students. First, a training of trainers was organised for community volunteers and school teachers, who then trained 470 students across all the target schools. For this occasion, basic messages on good hygiene practices were provided such as not drinking dirty water and clearing still water areas to avoid breeding of mosquitoes.
ACTED 2018
A ToT awareness session for school teachers and community volunteers
Despite the end of this project, ACTED’s support to the communities in Welioya continues with an ongoing project to build the capacities of CSOs in this area, supporting them in leading local development and governance processes.