HSBC-Brandix to help improve village livelihood
HSBC and Brandix have launched a programme to help improve the
livelihood of two villages in Kilinochchi, by providing its residents
with access to water, infrastructure and education. The launch coincides
with the United Nations 'World Water Day,' to raise awareness on issues
concerning water scarcity.
Water has become a priority focus of HSBC's Corporate Sustainability
agenda. In 2012, HSBC committed to a five year partnership with WWW,
Water Aid and Earthwatch, to address the growing water issues in the
world. The US$ 100 million programme, would see many projects and
research carried out around the world, to tackle water risks in river
basins; bring safe water and improved sanitation to over a million
people and raise awareness about the global water challenge.
Udena Wickramasooriya, Director Brandix Lanka Limited,
sealing the partnership with Nick Nicolaou, CEO for HSBC Sri
Lanka and Maldives. |
The joint project with Brandix would be conducted in two stages, in
April and August 2013. In the first phase, a series of wells would be
built to provide access to water year round, for the villagers for
agricultural, household and environment needs of the two communities.
The second phase would see the development of livelihood programmes,
empowerment, education and the provision of infrastructure facilities.
The project is an ideal example of how partnerships could influence
change through co-operation. This was further demonstrated through a
joint humanitarian project carried out by HSBC and Brandix in 2012, to
assist more than 600 families in ten villages in Vavuniya and Anamaduwa
who were faced with severe drought conditions.
"Brandix has acquired a wealth of experience in identifying the
water-related needs of communities and working with local authorities
and corporate partners to provide the most effective solutions," said
Anusha Alles, the Group's Head of CSR. "Water is the central theme of
all our community projects and we are delighted to work with HSBC to
help these two villages in Kilinochchi with water supply infrastructure,
that would greatly relieve the burden on the community."
Nick Nicolaou, CEO for HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives, stated, "HSBC
places great importance on the preservation and sustenance of water that
is an essential natural resource for daily survival. Each year, we use
about 50 percent more resources than the planet could replace naturally.
The HSBC Group is working through co-operations to tackle water
related issues which would help benefit over 100 million people
globally. In Sri Lanka, we are committed to working with corporates who
share a common goal in our efforts and as such, are happy to once again
partner with Brandix."
HSBC believes that for economies to grow and communities to prosper,
countries, companies and individuals will have to change the way they
use resources in the future.
Thus, HSBC Sri Lanka, has also pledged to support Earth Hour, by
switching off all non- essential lights at HSBC's main building in Fort
and all branches island-wide, for one hour on 22 and 23 March, 2013,
respectively. Globally, HSBC has supported Earth Hour for the past five
years in 2012, a record 63 countries participated by switching off their
lights for one hour, in a symbolic gesture of support.
HSBC staff will also join over 250,000 colleagues around the globe,
to help raise awareness on the over consumption of the world's
resources, by acting responsibly and turning off non-essential lights
and electrical appliances at their homes from 8.30 pm - 9.30 pm on both
days. |