A ceremony to mark the completion of the second stage of the water quality enhancement project in Maritimepattu in the Mullaitivu district was held recently.
This three-year (2017-2019) project conducted by the INGO The Lamp and funded by KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) will help villagers in Maritimepattu division where some people suffer from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
Country Director of KOICA Sri Lanka office, Lee Dong Ku, District Secretary, Mullaitivu, Mrs. Ketheeswaran, Sri Lanka Head of The Lamp, Seo Jin Tae, International Manager of The Lamp, Tae Ju and villagers were present.
The main source of drinking water for the villagers was wells which are contaminated with agricultural chemicals and fertiliser, and it was the main reason for the cause of water-borne diseases and fearful CKD. However, with the 60m deep well, operated by The Lamp, the people will be able to get safe drinking water at a low cost. A village committee will maintain the water facility. Mrs. Ketheeswaran said, “This town was affected by the previous war, so people are in need of many things to sustain lives. We will make sure that the facility is managed well so that the people can have a better life.’’
KOICA Country Director Lee said, “Safe drinking water is essential to have healthy life for everyone. It should be an urgent issue to supply safe water especially to pregnant women, the elderly, and infants with weak immunity.’’