Govt. pledges uninterrupted water supply

• Cabinet approves new measures including water distribution and digging 400 tube wells 

Uninterrupted water supply to the public was pledged yesterday despite the current dry weather by National Water Supplies and Drainage Board (NWSDB) Chairman K. A. Ansar as Cabinet approved new measures including digging 400 tube wells. 

Speaking to media, he said people should not have water shortage fears even though drought has hit nine main districts including Trincomalee, Kandy, Gampaha, Hambantota, Monaragala, Badulla, Anuradapura, Jaffna and Mannar. 

He said even the water levels of the main rivers have declined due to the drought but the Government would supply sufficient water for people all over the country.

However, he said as a solution to the predicted water shortage of some areas, the Government has taken initial steps to build deep tube wells to pump underground water. 

Ansar also said that there is a critical situation around Kalu Ganga because the water level has decreased due to the dry weather, creating the possibility of salt water mixing with river water. 

“We have taken action to filter those salted water to normal water and people can use that for their day to day needs except drinking and cooking.”

In addition, Cabinet also approved water distribution by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, construction of 400 tube wells and to urge the public to use water sparingly.