Water, crucial issue before us
Lakshmi de Silva
Water could be the next issue to start a world war. There is a cold
war among countries for water. Water resources should be protected and
younger generations should be educated about the importance of water,
said Water Supply and Drainage Minister Mahinda Amaraweera.
The Government has provided drinking water to 80 percent of the
population and will provide safe water to the people in the North, East,
Moneragala, Badulla, Bandarawela and Puttalam areas, he said.
He was addressing the World Water Day event held at the Sirimavo
Bandaranaike Centre in Colombo yesterday. Amaraweera said the Water
Supply and Drainage Ministry had reduced water wastage from 35 percent
to 31 percent during recent past saving four million rupees annually.
The Government's aim is to provide safe drinking water to all
citizens, a factor that would lead to a healthy nation.
Safe drinking water projects were implemented in Iranamadu in the
Jaffna District, Unnichchi in Batticaloa District, Hambantota,
Moneragala, Puttalam, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and almost in all the
districts, the Minister said.
He said the Government would not privatize the water sector or sell
any of the Government institutions.
UNICEF Representative Desiree M. Jongsma said managing and securing
access to safe water for all is one of the biggest challenge facing any
country. It is an issue that will become more complex with the onset of
global warming.
The theme for world water day this year emphasizes water quality and
the importance of maintaining 'Clean Water for a Healthy World'.
All the people have access to clean and safe water, eco-systems of
the planet should be protected with bold and courageous actions, she
said.
"If our children and grandchildren are to be guaranteed a secure
future, the proper stewardship of the world's water resources is of
crucial importance", Desiree said. |