President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) to expedite construction of ongoing drinking water supply projects in the North Central Province (NCP), particularly in the Anuradhapura district, in response to the alarming rise in chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) in the region.
This initiative aims to improve public health by reducing dependence on brackish and unsafe water sources, such as tanks and shallow wells, which are suspected contributors to CKDu.
At present, two major water supply projects are under way in the high-risk areas: Anuradhapura North (Phase Two) and the Thambuttegama water supply schemes.
Project Director of the Thambuttegama scheme, Engineer Chaminda Lokubarana told the Sunday Observer that the project is specifically designed to address the acute shortage of safe drinking water in Thalawa, Thambuttegama, and Galnewa Divisional Secretariat Divisions, covering 42 Grama Niladhari Divisions considered among the most water-stressed in the province.
“The project was initially valued at USD 120.6 million and co-financed by the China Development Bank, Bank of Ceylon, and the Government. We plan to provide 25,000 new water connections benefitting around 91,000 residents, with the Angamuwa reservoir as the main water source,” Lokubarana said.
He said that due to the expiration of the Chinese loan amid the Government’s external debt restructuring process, the project faced severe delays. However, following the President’s intervention, Rs. 9,565 million in Government funding was allocated to resume construction.
The Thambuttegama project includes comprehensive infrastructure: a 63,000 m³/day raw water intake, an 18,000 m³/day water treatment plant, three elevated water towers (1,500 m³ each), and a 158 km D1/PVC treated water distribution network. The entire project is due for completion by September this year.
The second phase of the Anuradhapura-North water supply project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is due to commence shortly, with local and international bids currently being invited. Project Director Engineer Sudath Rathnayake said that JICA will provide Rs. 42,340.7 million, with an additional Rs. 7,482.9 million invested by the Government.
On completion within two years, this project will provide safe drinking water to around 170,950 people in the water-scarce areas of Padaviya, Kebithigollewa, Kahatagasdigiliya, and the Horowpothana Divisional Secretariats.
