Rainwater Harvesting Systems as Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Tool for Drought Prone Areas of Sri Lanka

Home / Rainwater Harvesting Systems as Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Tool for Drought Prone Areas of Sri Lanka

Project Areas

Districts of Ampara, Badulla, Moneragala, Killinochchi and Mullaitivu

Duration

1st October 2014 to 30th September 2015

Funded by

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Project Cost

$ 149,987 as USAID’s contribution
$ 38,610 LRWHF’s contribution

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to build off the success of the Lanka Rainwater Harvesting Forum (LRWHF) program to promote rain water harvesting in the drought prone and groundwater contaminated areas of Sri Lanka as a practical Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) tool. The proposed program will focus on building awareness on rain water harvesting, demonstrate at public facilities (schools and hospitals) to construct model tanks, expand rain water harvesting to the private sector, research and develop low cost tank designs for market-based solutions and promote collaborations with other USG partner and others for wider application.

Project Activities

Increase awareness building on rain water harvesting in drought prone/groundwater contaminated areas in the North, East and Uva provinces
Collaborate with public facilities (schools and hospitals) to construct model rainwater harvesting tanks.
Expand rain water harvesting to the private sector (small businesses and cooperatives) through Public-Private Partnerships.
• Further research and development of low cost tank designs for market-based solutions.
Collaborate with other USG partners on DRR.

Outputs of the Project

No	Project Activity	Expected Outcome
01	Awareness Campaign	Awareness programme for officials Awareness program for and community and school children
02	Build Capacity of Masons and professionals on RWH Technology	Training Masons on construction low cost RWHS Training professionals on RWH and ground water recharge.
03	Support DRR activities of USG partners and others	Collaborative activity with USG partners and other organisation in DRR activities Update web site Support rehabilitates disused RWH systems in the project areas
04	Construction of 30 demonstration RWHS	RWHS for schools and hospitals O&M training on RWHS
05	Expand RWH to the Private Sector	Awareness programs , workshop and exhibition conducted to private sector Set up small scale businesses or cooperatives with the trained masons to provide low cost RWHS to communities.
06	Research and Development	Low cost storage systems further developed Establish 10 weather stations and collect data

a) Objective: Increase awareness building on rain water harvesting in drought prone/groundwater contaminated areas in the North, East and Uva provinces.

1. Awareness Program for Officials

552 officials were made aware on RWH through 14 meeting held and collaborated with District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries, NWSDB, Samurdhri Officers, Grama Niladaris and Rural Development Societies in Ampara, Badulla, Moneragala, Mullativu and Kilinochchi districts.

Ampara District

53 Development Officers from the Sinhala Divisional Secretariats at Ampara was trained and made aware on the 8^th 2014. Site for rehabilitation of RWH has been discussed identified.
46 Development Officers, Divisional Secretaries, Assistant district planning officers from the Tamil Divisional secretariats in Ampara was trained and made aware on the. 9^th 2014 at Akkaraipattu. Site for rehabilitation of RWH has been discussed identified.
56 Development Officers, Samurdhi Officers and Grama Niladaris from Alayadivembu in Ampara was trained and made aware on the 19^th of January 2015. Site for rehabilitation of RWH has been discussed identified.
37 Development officers, Samurdhi Officers and Grama Niladharis from Thirukkovil in Ampara was trained and made aware on the 21^st of January 2015. Site for rehabilitation of RWH has been discussed identified.
41 Members of rural development society and women’s rural development society from Thirukkovil in Ampara was trained and made aware on the 29^thof January, 2015. Site for rehabilitation of RWHS has been discussed identified.
38 Members of rural development society and women’s rural development society from Alayadivembu in Ampara was trained and made aware on the 22^ndof Jan, 2015. Site for rehabilitation of RWH has been discussed identified.

Badulla District

46 Development Officers, Samurdhi Officers and Grama Niladaris from Welimada Divisional Secretariat office in Badulla was trained and made aware on the 30^th of March, 2015. Site for rehabilitation of RWH has been discussed identified.
35 Official from Badulla district office,including AGA, Divisional Secretary, and Assistant Planning Directors were trained and made aware on RWHS on the 28^th of May, 2015.

Kilinochchi District

10 NWSDB and NAQUDA officials from Kilinochchi & Mullaitivu trained on RWH technology on the 17^th November 2014.
37 Official from Kilinochchi district office, including GA, Asst. Planning Directors, Prathasasba members, DMC-Staffs, DS, Agriculture Instructor, Land use planning officer and Technical officers – Irrigation department was trained on RWHS and made aware on the 12^thof February 2015.
71 Development officers, Samurdhi Officers and Grama Niladaris from Ponagari Divisional Secretariat office in Kilinochchi was trained and made aware on the 21^stof January 2015.

Moneragala District

10 Grama Niladari from Sevanagala Divisional Office – Monaragala, were trained and made aware on RWHS on the 1^st of April, 2015.
37 Official from Monaragala district office, including GA, Divisional Secretary,Assistant Planning Directors were trained and made aware on RWHS on the 4^th of June, 2015.

Mullaitivu District

35 officials of Divisional Secretaries, Health and Irrigation Department in Mullaitivu district made aware on RWH on the 2^nd December 2014 at District Secretariat in Mullaitivu. It was presided by the District Secretary.

2. Awareness Programs to Public/ Community

3690 were trained and made aware on RWH through 72 programs held in the 5 target districts.

Ampara District

45 Community members from Irrakkamam GN in Ampara was made aware on RWH on the 24th of Feb,2015
24 Community members from Alamkulam GN in Ampara was made aware on RWH on the 26th of Feb,2015
39 Community members from Kalmunai Tamil GN in Ampara was made aware on RWHS on the 23rd of Feb,2015
151 School Parents and Students from ThajunVidyalam, Ampara were made aware on RWHS on the 21st of May 2015
80 Community members, teachers andstudents from Thajun School, Ampara weremade aware and trained in O&M of RWHS on the 28th of July ,2015
81 Teachers and students fromManthoddama School, Ampara were madeaware and trained in O&M of RWHS on the 27th of July,2015
18 Community Members from Thirukovil, Ampara were made aware and trained inO&M of RWHS on the 8th of July,2015 .This location was selected for rehabilitation of disused RWH systems
27 Community Members from Alayadivembu, Ampara were made awareand trained in O&M of RWHS on the 13thof July ,2015This location was selected for rehabilitation of disused RWH systems
41 Community Members, Teachers and students from Sareshwathy School, Central camp, Ampara were made aware and trained in RWHS on the 24th of Aug, 2015.
200 Students from Damana D.S. Division, Ampara were participated and made aware on RWHS through exhibition on the 18th September, 2015.

Badulla District

31Community members from Ehalakottawera GN in Badulla wasmade aware on RWHS on the 28th of Feb, 2015
30 Community members from Gulugala GN in Badulla was made aware on RWHS on the 3rd of March, 2015
30 Community members from Malivilnada GN in Badulla wasmade aware on RWHS and on the 3rd of March, 2015
30 Community members from Yahalawera GN in Badulla was made aware on RWHS on the 5th of March, 2015
25 Community members from Haliella GN in Badullamade aware on RWHS on the 10th of March, 2015
19 Community members from Ihalakotavera GN in Badulla were made aware on RWHS on the 20th of April 2015
17 Community members from Galugala GN in Badulla were made aware on RWHS on the 21st of April 2015
24 Community members from Dikkapittiya GN in Badulla were made aware on RWHS on the 23rd of April 2015
21 Community members from Dikkapitiya GN in Badulla were made aware on RWHS on the 21st of May 2015
14 Community members from Yahalawera GN in Badulla were made aware on RWHS on the 15th of June 2015
14 Community members from Bovela GN in Badulla were made aware on RWHS on the 16th of June 2015
11 Community members from Dikkapittiya GN in Badulla were made aware on RWHS on the 21st of June 2015
60 School Parents and Students from Sarashwathi Tamil Vidyalayam School, Badulla were made aware on RWHS on the 29th of April 2015
23 School Parents and Students from Bagahamadiththa School, Badulla were made aware on RWHS on the 30th of April 2015
38 students and teachers from Bogahamadiththa School, Badulla were made aware and trained in O&M of RWHS on the 16th of July ,2015
60 Students and teachers from Worvik School, Badulla were made aware and trained in O&M of RWHS on the 17th of July ,2015
18 Community Members from Dikwatta, Badulla were made aware and trained in O&M of RWHS on the 20th of July, 2015. This location was selected for rehabilitation
17 Community Members from Ulugala, Badulla were made aware and trained in O&M of RWHS on the 27th of July, 2015. This location was selected for rehabilitation
29 Community Members from Yahalarava and Madavalathanna, Badulla were made aware and trained in RWHS on the 29th of July, 2015
23 Community Members from Mahakubura School, Badulla were made aware and trained in RWHS on the 31st of July, 2015
29 Students from Certified School Students from Kappetipola were made aware and trained in RWHS on the 24th of July,2015
12 Teachers and students from Certified School Ketpittypola, Badullla were made aware and trained in O&M of RWHS on the 8th of Aug, 2015
19 Community Members from Uvaparanagama, Badulla were made aware and trained in O&M of RWHS on the 14th of September, 2015. This location was selected for rehabilitation
A Drama Competition for school children in Badulla District – Read more here

Kilinochchi District

188 Students from Ponagari Central College from Kilinochchi made aware on RWH and trained on O&M of RWHS the 29th of Jan, 2015.
50 Students from Gani madam from Kilinochchi was made aware on RWH the 29th of Jan, 2015
25 Community members from Allippallai GN in Kilinochchi made aware RWH on the 13th of Jan, 2015
29 Community members from Umayalpuram GN in Kilinochchi was made aware onRWH the 27th of Jan, 2015
37 Community members from Vannerikkulam GN in Kilinochchi was made aware on RWHS on the 17th of March, 2015
35 Community members from Skanthapuram GN in Kilinochchi was made aware on RWHS on the 19th of March, 2015
25 Community members from Anaivilunthankulam GN in Kilinochchi was made aware on RWHS on the 17th of March, 2015
50 Community members from Thadduvankoddi GN in Kilinochchi was made aware on RWHS on the 31st of March, 2015
38 students and teacher from RCTMS IranativuKilinochchi were made aware and trained in O&M of RWHS on the 27th of July, 2015
27 students and teacher from Kn/Kumulamunai school Kilinochchi were made aware and trained in O&M of RWHS on the 4th of September, 2015
2 Awareness programs using LED display on “RWHS “ were he held on 25th of August 2015 in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu
220 Students from Iranaitivu RCTMS Kilinochchi were participated and made aware on RWHS through exhibition on the 22nd of September, 2015.

Moneragala District

30 Community members from DiulanaKirivava GN in Monaragala were made aware on RWHS on the 7th of May 2015
29 School Parents and students from Agunukolapalasa School, Monaragala were made aware on RWHS on the 27th of April2015
61 School Parents and Students from Thanamalvila Model Primary School, Monaragala were made aware on RWHS on the 28th of April 2015

Mullaitivu District

29 Community members from Ujilankulam GN in Mullaitivu made aware on RWH the 20th of Jan, 2015
15 Community members from Kalvilan GN in Mullaitivumade aware RWH on the 19th of Jan, 2015
30 Community members from Yokapuram GN in Mullaitivu was made aware on RWHS on the 26th of Feb, 2015
36 Community members from Thunukkai GN in Mullaitivu wasmade aware on RWHS on the 25th of Feb, 2015
32Community members from Peraru GN in Mullaitivu was made aware on RWHS on the 10th of March, 2015
64 Community members from Mulliyavalai west GN in Mullaitivu was made aware on RWHS on the 24th of March, 2015
43 Community members from Ponnagar GN in Mullaitivu was made aware on RWHS on the 25thof March, 2015
17 students and teacher fromMu/Puthumattalan GTMS Mullaitivu weremade aware and trained in O&M of RWHS on the 29th of July, 2015
47 students and teacher fromMu/Pandiyankulam MMV SchoolMullaitivu were made aware and trained inO&M of RWHS on the 2nd of September, 2015
260 Students from Pandiyankulam School Mullaitivu were participated and made aware on RWHS through exhibition on the10th of September, 2015.

b) Objective: Build Capacity of masons and professionals on designing, planning and construction of Rain water harvesting systems.

3. Training masons on construction low cost rain water harvesting systems

21 masons were trained in 2 districts. 10 masons on low cost ferro-cement tanks in Kilinochchi and Badulla and 11 in skeletal cage tank in Badulla.

11 students from Certified School, Badulla were made aware and trained in RWHS (10000L) on the 30th of July 2015
7 mason were trained in Pachchilaipalli (Allipallai), Karachchi (Ponnagar) Kandawalai (Umaiyalpuram )Poonakari (Ponnaveli ) at Killinochchi district in collaboration with Ministry of Water Supply & Drainage.
One mason trained on construction of rice husk cement block tank

4. Training Program to Professionals

28 professionals, from 14 different nations and Sri Lankans were trained on harvesting rainwater and decentralized wastewater treatment during a 5 day training program held in collaboration with Center for Science and Environment, New Delhi India

More details

c) Objective: Support DRR activities of USD partners and others

5. Collaborate with USG partners who are conducting Disaster Risk Reduction programs

39 staff members and 210 beneficiaries of Sevalanka and FRC were made aware and trained on RWH Ampara and Moneragala. 6 demonstration units were built for Sevalanaka and FRC beneficiaries in Ampara, Moneragala and Kilinochichi.

2 x 8000L RWHS constructed in KolavilPre school and Kannakikiramampre school, Ampara collaborate with Sevalanka Foundation
1 x 8000L RWHS constructed inSarashwathi School Central Camp, Ampara, collaborate with FRC
2 X RWHS constructed in Kilinochchi, collaborate with Sevalanka Foundation .8000L tank construction at preschool Rangankudiruppu – Kilinochchi and 10000L tank construction at preschool at Musilampiddy – Kilinochchi

6. Rehabilitate RWH systems

319 disused RWH systems were rehabilitated in Ampara, Moneragala, Badulla and Kilinochchi districts.

Ampara District Map | View Here – PDF [974KB]
Badulla District Map | View Here – PDF [1.21MB]
Moneragala District Map | View Here – PDF [829KB]
Uva and Eastern Provinces Map | View Here – PDF [1.02MB]

d) Objective: Collaborate with public facilities (schools and hospitals) to construct model rainwater harvesting tanks.

7. Construction of Demonstration Systems in Schools

11 x 30,000 liter RWH systems were installed in schools in the 5 target districts.

AnkunukolapalasaVidyalaya –Monaragala
Bandaranayaka Primary School- Monaragala
WovikSaraswathi Tamil vidyalaya –Badulla
BoahamadiththaVidyalaya- Badulla
Al Thajun School –Ampara
Manthoddama School-Ampara
Urani/Sarashwathi School- Ampara
KN/Iranaitivu RCTMS
Kilinochchi – KN/Kumulamunai GTMS
Mu/PuthumattalanGTMS
Mullaitivu – Mu/Pandiyankulam MMV School

8. O&M Training

17 Operation and Maintenance training program were held for the schools constructed with RWH system including at locations where low cost RWH systems were tested.

e) Objective: Expand rain water harvesting to the private sector (small businesses and cooperatives) through Public-Private Partnerships.

8. Conduct workshops, awareness programs, exhibitions and training to Private sector

LRWHF participated at the EDEX Expo 2015 organized by the Royal College Union at the BMICH – Colombo from 23 – 25 January 2015. 2000 people visited the stall to gain knowledge on Rain water harvesting.
Event to build Partnership with Cooperate Sector and launch of the Strategic Plan (2015- 2020)” was held at Rain center – Pelawatta on 12th March 2015. Awareness on rain water harvesting and a discussion held on how RWH can be incorporated to private sector as a CSR and cost effective manner. 27 representatives from different leading private sector organizations participated this event. More details
Sustainable RWH as a cooperate initiative” was organized by Consortium of Humanitarian agencies (CHA). LRWHF also participated this event and made a presentation 25 person participated it was held at CHA auditorium in Colombo 07 on 30th April 2015.
A workshop on RWH was organized by Eco Go Beyond -MAS CAPITAL (PVT) LTD for school children. LRWHF was invited to do an interactive session with school children on how to calculate annual rain fall , roof area, water demand and how much of rain water can be collected. 120 school student, 60 teachers plus MAS staff (15) participated it was held at MIMT (MAS Institute of Management and Technology), Tulhiriya on the 10thof June 2015.
12 bankers in Ampara were made aware and trained in RWHS on the 25th of Aug ,2015.
1500 staffs and family members from OMEGA LINE Ltd made aware and trained in RWHS on “Family day promotional activity programme” at Vavuniya on 11th July 2015.

f) Objective: Further Research and Development

9. Low cost tank designs for market-based solutions

4 prototypes developed and tested in Badulla, Kilinochchi districts (bladder tank, skeletal cage, wire mesh and larger capacity pumpkin tank)

A Bladder tank ( 5000 liters) constructed in Badulla-Sri Suvaththiraramaya Study Centre
A wire mesh tank (16000L) adopted form Brazilian design was constructed in Thanamalvilla, Monaragala with Cargills food City
A skeletal tank (10000L) adopted from India was constructed in Certified School, Badulla
A wire mesh tank (16000L) constructed in Mahakumbura School, Badulla

10. Establishment of Weather Stations

Established 9 weather stations in schools in 7 districts and one at Rain Center, Pelawatta

A training program on “Installation of mobile weather station “was held on 1stJune at Moneragala and 13th of July at Vavuniya. More details
BogahamadiththaVidyalaya, Kirawanagama, Lunuwaththa
AngunukolapalassaMahaVidyalaya, Sooriya-aara, Thanamalwila
ManthottamaMahaVidyalaya, Mahanagapura, Ampara
KM/ST/ NavithanvelyAnnamalaiMahaVidyalaya, Navithanvely
Kn/ Iranaitivu RCTMS
Mu/ PandiyankulamMadayaMahaVidayalaya
V/ AndiyapuliyankulamMahaVidyalaya
V/ AgbopuraMahaVidayalaya
Mn/ St.AnnesMadayaMahaVidalaya