Contaminated water irks residents

Bandarawela - group corr

Water supplied to people in certain areas in the Badulla district is contaminated with human excreta and other chemicals, PHIs in the district pointed out.

The use of open spaces in catchment areas to answer calls of nature by the plantation community who lack proper toilet facilities and unauthorised construction of houses and agricultural activities near water sources have led to this problem, they pointed out. This was brought to the notice of higher authorities including the district coordinating committee, but nothing concrete had been done to remedy this situation.

Meanwhile, Haputale Pradeshiya Sabha chairman N G Samantha Kumara said a systematic programme should be formulated in collaboration with estate superintendents and plantation sector welfare officers to solve this problem.