Würth partners Asia Pacific Alliance for rainwater harvesting project in Kayts, Jaffna

Würth Lanka and the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management in Sri Lanka (A-PAD SL) recently sponsored the Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting and Water Storage Project in the remote island of Kayts in the Jaffna District. The project is being implemented by the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management in Sri Lanka and CHA with the support of the Divisional Secretariat of Kayts, GA/District Secretariat of Jaffna, Jaffna District A-PAD Platform and the Disaster Management Centre.

The primary objective of the project is to provide water storage facilities through different means of water collection and harvesting in support of vulnerable resettled families enabling them to adapt and maximise water resources and enhance livelihood opportunities by support the provision of a basic human need. The project also aims to create awareness in water management for best utilisation of scarce water resources and minimise protection issues of women/girls.

“We are extremely happy and grateful to partner with the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management in Sri Lanka and other organisations to help uplift the quality of life and living standards of the families living in Kayts by helping to provide a sustainable means of access to water which is a basic need for life and sustenance. It is our responsibility as good corporate citizens to ensure that less privileged communities are given a helping hand to overcome their difficulties and move forward,” said Würth Lanka Ltd. Managing Director Rohan Amirthiah. 

The island of Kayts and its inhabitants is prone to slow onset natural disasters such as drought, climate change and environment degradation and was also affected by the tsunami in 2004. Kayts was also one of the most affected areas during the recent internal conflict. Kayts has a population of over 10,000 people of which 400 families are headed by women. Resettlement following the internal conflict has encouraged its inhabitants to return to the remote village who are provided with Government supported housing based on vulnerability. 

With increased habitation, the Kayts lacks resources to cater to the basic needs of the people in terms of lack of water for drinking, sanitation and decent living has affected families including their livelihoods. Search for potable water forces women and girls to trek in isolated terrain making them vulnerable. School drop outs are on the increase and home gardening is non-existent as the water resources are scarce. In extreme drought conditions, the Government provides water via bowsers but families do not have sufficient storage facilities to collect and store water for their day to day needs.

Würth Lanka through their sponsorship of this project will help to install the rooftop rainwater harvesting systems including 1,000 litre double layered plastic water tanks for storing water, gutters, down pipes, connectors, flush diverters etc. in 10 selected households which will directly benefit 50+ inhabitants and over 200 inhabitants in the community. 

Würth Lanka Ltd. is a fully owned subsidiary of Würth International, AG and belongs to Adolf Würth GmbH, Germany, the parent company of the Würth Group. Würth is a Euro 10 Billion Company and one of the largest international trading companies with more than 400 subsidiaries in 83 countries. With over 65,000 employees worldwide, Würth has the largest direct sales force in order to be closer to its customers. Würth Group is an industry leader as a high quality supplier and award-winning distributor of automotive products and equipment to professional workshops in more than 84 countries worldwide.