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.

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.