Massive water supply project in South on the cards

Kahawa special correspondent

KAHAWA: US based, Bill Clinton headed, special tsunami Rehabilitation Management Committee decision, endorsed by the UN says, that any equipment or other material, provided for the relief of tsunami affected, should not be withdrawn, until rehabilitation activities are certified as completed," said Urban Development and Water Supply Minister Dinesh Gunawardane at Balapitiya.

The Minister said so, in response to several complaints made by participants, at the meeting he presided at the Balapitiya Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) auditorium, convened by the Water Board Chairman, in order to educate local politicians in Ambalangoda and Balapitiya areas, on the first stage augment of the water supply to those areas shortly.

Local politicians charged NGOs and other state run organisations on the sudden removal of water barrels installed on road sides for the use of tsunami-hit people in their areas. Hikkaduwa PS member, D. Sumanadasa charged the Red-Cross Society with removing some of those barrels installed in the Akurala area and beyond, without prior notice." Accordingly people were badly affected", he pointed out. He expressed fear on a possible shortage of drinking water for the areas."

Minister at this stage said that, the Galle district Secretary should be aware of this committee decision, and should not allow any NGO, or the other to remove those barrels as they liked."

"Bowser borne water supply to tsunami affected areas should be continued forthwith", the Minister stressed.

Minister speaking further said that, Balapitiya people questioned me on the exact date of pipe-borne water supply to the area, and my answer today is, "very shortly" he said, amidst much applause.

"The KMW company will start pipe laying activities by the end of November", the Minister said and with the project completing its work, water issue will be at the end of December 2006", the Minister revealed.

"Water Supply project will be extended also to Bentota making their dream a reality", the Minister revealed.

"Tsunami added Saltiness to the hinterland areas too, and those areas too would be benefitted by the project", the Minister revealed.

"Karandeniya water supply scheme, once it is completed would benefit the people of the area, the minister said.

All these projects under way now are for the benefit of the common, under "Mahinda Chintana' concept," he stressed.

Water Board General Manager, H. K. T. Wimalaweera said the pumping water from Baddegama to Balapitiya remained a problem by the water running through Asbestos pipes were always liable to be damaged, and as such ML 600 circumference DI pipes to a distant of 13 km are being laid from Baddegama to Balapitiya at a cost of Rs. 312 million granted by Germany via K. M. W. company" he said.

"At the first stage water supply period will be (12 hours a day", he revealed.

"Tsunami-hit houses will also be provided with pipe-borne water supply" he said.

"Hikkaduwa, Kahawa, Galagoda residents will also be benefitted under the project", he said.

The first stage at augmentation of AGO/BPA water supply project at a cost of 7 million Euros under German aid", he said.

"Bowser-borne water supply to Tsunami-hit areas should not be terminated until pipe borne water supply is certified completed" was the common voice of the participants at the meeting.

Regional Development Minister Gunaratne Weerakoon and several others spoke. Weerakoon of the Water Board welcomed, and Balapitiya PS chairman, Sunil Wijeratne thanked.