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| Thursday, 2 September 2004 |
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'Gemi Diyawara' launched by Florence Wickramage A shallow well program titled "Gemi Diyawara" was launched recently by the Ministry of Urban Development and Water Supply as an urgent relief measure in the drought-stricken areas. Under this program 500 shallow wells will be dug in the districts where the drought is severe. In launching the program Minister Dinesh Gunawardene said that the traditional knowledge of the villagers would be sought since the program would be community based. In olden days shallow wells had been dug on low-lying flat paddy land bordering the bunds of tanks, the waters of which were used by villagers for drinking and irrigation purposes. The Minister emphasised the need for a locally adaptable well-planned drinking water supply program for the country. The locations of the wells would be selected in consultation with the villagers of the particular areas since the villagers themselves possessed traditional knowledge. Local expertise in technology would also be harnessed in sinking the wells. The "Gemi Diyawara" program would be funded by the general public and no state funds would be utilised, Minister Gunawardene said. A committee including the Divisional Secretarial officers and representatives of the particular areas would be empowered to supervise the implementation of the program. The program has already got under way in Padaviya, Kahatagasdigiliya and Galkulama in the Anuradhapura District supported by the general public. The construction cost of each well would be around Rs. 29,000 and the Ministry requests those who wish to make financial donations towards the program to do so to "Gemi Diyawara" A/C No. 0-002339-9 of the Bank of Ceylon branch at Battaramulla. |
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