Community Water Trust mooted

Priyanka Kurugala

The Water Supply and Drainage Ministry plans to establish a Community Water Trust to strengthen and protect Community Based Organizations (CBD's) which supply water to four million people, said Head of the Community Based Water Supply Unit of the Water Supply and Drainage Ministry, Harsha Sooriyaarachchi.

He was addressing a Community Development Media Programme at Ambantale recently.

'Community based organizations must be strengthened to implement large scale development programmes to benefit the country. A proper guidance along with the technical know-how is vital for village development, he said.

Sooriyaarachchi said supplying water is not the only responsibility of Community Based Organizations. Villagers are benefited in more ways than one by CBOs, which also act as small loan or micro finance granting societies, provide guidance for children's societies and helping conduct religious activities. Water Supply and Drainage Board Chairman Karunasena Hettiarachchi was also present.