Page 149 - Prathima Volume 12

CBO managed water supply projects in mitigating rural water deficiency in the
selected coastal villages of Akkaraipattu region, Sri Lanka
facilities and face problems related to safe drinking water. Among these villages, water
supply facilities are consumed by 'Kanahipuram' (328) in Alayadivembu, 'Panama
South' (260) in Lahugala, and 'Hijra Nagar' (240) and 'Komari' (237) in Pottuvil
division respectively.

Even though, there are 239 families in Kanahakirar (Urani) of Pottuvil division, only
16 families consume the rural community water facility. Further, only 64 out of the 200
families in Lahugala, and 145 out of the 350 families in Hiru Nagar consume the rural
community water facility. But Navithanveli, which is one of the research areas, where
Savalakadai village has a very low amount of population. Altogether, there are 10
families, but 7 of them are utilizing the water supply under CBO managed facilities or
scheme.

Furthermore, there are several families which needed water supply facilities. In order
to this need, 223 families in Kanahakirar village, 205 families in Hilru Nagar and 192
families in Kannahipuram are essentially needed toward water supply. Under CBO
managed water facilities in Akkaraipattu region drinking water has been distributed by
using underground water supply system. Under this system, 5 villages use 'Bore Holl',
3 villages use 'Dug Well' and 2 villages use 'Shallow Well' and utilizing the rural water
supply source, which is managed by the CBOs.

Although they have given drinking water supply in these villages, has the drinking
water supply accomplished their need? this is the argumentative and questionable
matter in this research. But, two major factors have to be discussed. The first one is
“the level of public participation in rural community water supply facilities”, and the
other considerable matter is “the challenges confronting the NWSDB when
implementing rural water schemes''. Rural water supply and its sustainability depend
on the greater involvement of local community. Therefore, top-to-bottom approach
has been shifted to bottom-to-top approach in order to enhance the community
participation in the RWS system across-countries including Sri Lanka. But, the
success of this system is in the hands of public participation or the strength of CBOs.
Despite this research, in all study villages, whether CBOs are actively functions or not
with their main tasks. So that, in this connection, the information is gathered from two
key-informants. Typically, Regional Sociologist and Regional Chemist are the most
experienced persons usually visit rural areas and discuss the problems or obstacles of
local people.

As a result of this, in 'Navithanweli' of Akkarapattu region, CBOs are abounded. Thus,
this particular area is facing huge problems towards pure water. At the same time,
Yalipupudu and Hulannuge CBOs (in Lahugala division) are motivated by the Civil
Security Force (CSF). Public are involved in a systematic way, maintaining the water

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