TG water tank project helping to empower local community
View(s):By Marisa de Silva
“During the drought we got water once a week or once every 10 days, so we had to store water in any can, basin, tar barrel or bucket we own, as we were never sure when we would get water again. We have lived here 16 years and were only able to get a water connection a year ago. Before, we had to buy water from other families at approximately Rs 50-100 per barrel, depending on the size of the barrel. Now, although we have paid in full and received our water connection from the Water Board, the supply is very erratic,” said a young mother of three, Chalani, who lives in Pol Akkara 30, Aluthwatte, Rajawella (Digana).
Ayesha Perera presenting a water tank
“Even when there’s no drought, we get water only four to five days a week. And as there is no set time and water is usually released during the nights, we need to wake up right through the night, every day, to check. In addition to the irregular water supply, our not having a water tank to collect and store the water was a huge hassle,” Chalani said.
Chalani’s troubles may ease for she received a discounted 500 litre water tank, presented under the Tamarind Gardens (TG) Water Tank Project. Tamarind Gardens, a community oriented farm cum villa accommodation in Aluthwatte, Digana run by Ayesha and Nalin Perera, is committed to empowering and improving the quality of life of the local community. As the scarcity of water is one of the most serious problems faced by the villagers, the TG Team began collecting funds to supply discounted water tanks to the community.
“This issue is very close to our hearts, as we have seen how much the people of the area suffer as a result of not having adequate water. We approached Arpico and they quite generously agreed to give us a substantial discount, so we could get more tanks with the funds we raised. We have managed to raise funds and donate 98 water tanks to date. We too use our water sparingly, as we also suffer immensely during the drought season. Water truly is a precious resource to us, as our everyday existence is dependent on our water supply,” said Ayesha.
“Everyone in the area has paid large amounts of money (much more than they can afford), some as much as Rs. 40,000 to get their own water connections from the Water Board. So it is very unfair that we don’t get a regular water supply here. Last September (2012), we didn’t even get a water bill, as we didn’t get any water from the Government supply. We had to buy water from the Water Board bowser at Rs 2000 for 7000 litres and when the bowsers were unavailable, from private bowsers at Rs 1750 for 4000 litres (not suitable for drinking).
Countless visits to the Water Board, local authorities and even MPs, have been to no avail, as all their complaints have fallen on deaf ears. “Authorities from the Board told me that one reason for the erratic supply is due to the supply pipes having reduced in size too drastically from the source to Digana. The other reason given is the terrible state of the Aluthwatte road, which has resulted in the pipes bursting regularly,” Ayesha said.
On February 7, 2013, TG presented water tanks to 20 beneficiaries from the area. Fifteen of the tanks were donated by Pangea Travels, Netherlands, an agent working with John Keells Holdings (JKH), who came to know of the TG project via JKH. Visit http://tamarindgardens.com/ to make a donation towards the TG Water Tank Project.
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