Clean Water Stories from Sri Lanka

Clean water and hygiene is necessary in our daily lives. But what if you lacked access to clean water? Following World Water Week in Stockholm in August, we've received two heart-warming stories from people in Sri Lanka who have received our help as part of our WASH program (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene). Our first story is from L.G.H Padumawathi, a 48-year woman living in Maliyagoda, Sri Lanka. She and her husband lost their home in the devastating tsunami in 2004. Our rehabilitation programs have given her a chance at proper hygiene to stay disease-free.

We;ll publish our second story tomorrow. You can also read more about our WASH program with our free downloadable report or watch our WASH: Life Without Water video on our YouTube channel.

"Thank you, Malteser"

I am Padmawathi, aged 48 years, and I live in Maliyagoda. My husband is S.W.A Premarathna. He has been working as a laborer. Since his liver operation due to a cancer, I have to play the major role in the family. We don't have children. Anyhow I have to take part in a daily battle for living. I work as a coir -maker and I am paid RS 250 per day ($ 2.5 USD) which is just enough to meet the daily expenses. We were affected by the Tsunami and as a result lost our house. After the destruction we were selected to have a new house, and were informed to find some land for construction of the house by ourselves. Being very poor it was hard to find some land. Later we were given a small plot of land which is really like a wetland. We were given a partially completed house.

Building a latrine on a land like this was a major problem. We were not able to construct even a temporary latrine due to the high water level. We didn't have any option other than going to the bush amid complaints from our neighbors. Only a few of the neighbors have latrines but they didn't like to share the latrine with us. We were often sick without reasons.

Having a latrine was like a dream. I never thought that the dream could be realized. Several times the Public Health Inspector (PHI) came to our house and instructed us not to go to the bushes as it causes disease outbreaks to the other villagers as well. Later I understood that the neighbors had complained to the health authorities regarding the use of the bush by us.  Actually I couldn't think of what to do. I was in trouble.   
 
One day, some of the officials form Malteser International visited our house and we were questioned on sanitation facilities. Later I was told that I have been selected to have a latrine which was the happiest news I heard for a long time. I was given priority in construction as we didn't have any kind of latrine. The technical officer of Malteser International told me that there are several types of latrines out of which the best option for our house was an eco-sanitation latrine which is completely a new concept we had not heard of or seen before.

After the survey had been carried out in the area, within one months time construction of the latrine was completed. We were made aware of the operation and maintenance of the latrine. Subsequently awareness on good hygiene practices was also made by Malteser International staff. The series of programs are linked into each other. Malteser International has implemented a very beautiful project in our village.

When the latrine is used either saw dust or ash should be put into the pit. Ash is available in the house and it costs nothing. The operation and maintenance of the latrine is very easy. After using the latrine for about one year we should shift to use the second pit. After resting the first pit for nearly 8 months we could get compost. We have started home gardening with the support of Malteser International. We hope to expand gardening in the near future.

I am not shy to say during rainy seasons when the house gets flooded we stay in the compost latrine for shelter. No defects of the latrine have been  found. The latrine operates well. Some of the beneficiaries who have received compost latrines complain that there's a bad odor from the latrine. I think that it is due to lack of proper maintenance.

Now we know what good hygiene practices are and we are free from diseases. Our villagers are very happy as each villager received a new or upgraded latrine. We should be grateful to Malteser International for giving us a latrine like this. Otherwise constructing a latrine could have remained a dream for poor people like us.  
                                                                                       
Author: Muditha Mataraarachchi - Malteser International WASH Office, Galle.