Mar 29, Colombo: Nine companies showcased nature-based solutions to address water quality issues at a Trade Fair on Advanced and Appropriate Water Treatment Systems in Colombo recently in commemoration of the World Water Day.
This seven-year project (2017-2024) is aimed at strengthening the resilience of Smallholder Farmers in Sri Lanka’s Dry Zone to climate variability and extreme events.
To support water purification under this program, a Trade Fair on Advanced and Appropriate Water Treatment Systems to treat water in locations with serious water quality issues was held at the Red Verandah, BMICH in commemoration of World Water Day 2018, where nine companies showcased nature-based solutions, in parallel with alternative approaches, in water treatment technologies and practices.
This was initiated by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) supported Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (CRIWMP) together with the World Bank assisted Water Supply & Sanitation Improvement Project.
The above two Projects aim to improve access to potable water by enhancing community-managed rural water supply infrastructure including advanced filtration and treatment systems with appropriate disinfection processes.
According to the UNDP, globally, 2.1 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services.
Furthermore, over 80 percent of the wastewater generated by society flows back into the environment without being treated or reused.
Speaking about UNDP’s support, Ms. Lovita Ramguttee, Deputy Country Director, UNDP Sri Lanka stated, "Nature-based solutions have the potential to solve many of our water challenges.
Sumanasekara, General Manager of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board stated, "The rural communities in Sri Lanka need potable water for which new and advanced treatment technologies have to be showcased and promoted.
This trade fair explored the best solutions to address drinking water concerns at a community level in the Dry zone of Sri Lanka.