News
The big thirst in Kalutara
View(s):The effect of last year’s floods are still felt by residents in Kalutara –today it’s the quality of drinking water.
Story and pix by Sunil S. Thanthiriarachchi and Sarath Siriwardana.
The flood waters swept away the sand barrier which stood between the sea and the river. This resulted in sea water flowing upstream to the area where water is obtained for the pumping station which provide the precious liquid to many parts of the district.
Citizens complain a feasibility study on building a barrier to prevent sea water flowing upriver has been completed. But there has been no tangible result at ground level they say.
Recently the District Secretary Kalutara, Jayalal accompanied by officials from the Disaster Management Centre, Coast Conservation Authority and other officials visited the area regarding steps to be taken to minimize the ongoing disaster.
However the problem continues. As a temporary measure plastic water tanks were set up along the roads and government provided residents with water.
Unfortunately more often than not these tanks remain empty!
In the aftermath of the floods sea water flows upstream to the area where water is obtained for the pumping stations.
The District Secretary and his officials visited the mouth of the river but have not been able to provide a solution.
A section of the damaged sand bank
Plastic water tanks have been set up along the roads, but this resident finds only a few droplets of water remaining
A disappointed resident finds the tank is merely a plastic shell with no water.
Something better than nothing! He’s managed to collect two bottles.