The
Sri Lankan Red Cross Society and the American Red Cross are
equipping communities affected by the 2004 tsunami with the
know-how to purify their drinking water and avoid disease.
A Bodhi tree in Matara, Sri Lanka, is traditionally the site
of a Buddhist temple, but earlier this month the tree was the
focus of a different pilgrimage—families coming from surrounding
areas to receive ceramic water filters from the American Red
Cross and Sri Lankan Red Cross.
The community members in attendance all suffered from the devastating
impact of the December 2004 tsunami, but on this day, they were
preparing for their future, not reflecting on their past.
"Three years on, this is about our recovery, our health
and the health of our families," said R.S.P. De Silva,
an primary schoolteacher and mother of two.
More than 140 ceramic water filters were distributed as part
of a large-scale effort to ensure tsunami-affected communities
in Sri Lanka have access to clean drinking water. To help 200,000
people in tsunami-affected areas obtain clean water and reduce
their risk of contracting water-borne diseases, the Red Cross
is equipping two local pottery manufacturing centres to produce
the filters.
"Until now, the knowledge and equipment required to make
the filters made it impossible to produce them locally, but
that has all changed," said Omar Rahaman, project manager
with the American Red Cross.
"Now, through this project, local pottery manufacturing
centres and other suppliers can meet local demand with local
goods. That’s a powerful step forward in the recovery
process."
Red Cross focuses on education
To date, more than 3,600 ceramic water filters have been distributed
in tsunami-affected areas. Each filter is capable of providing
30-40 litres of clean drinking water per day. The filters purify
water by passing it through pores in ceramic pots.
When used appropriately, the filters can effectively eliminate
more than 99 per cent of disease-carrying organisms. To promote
proper use of these systems, the Red Cross is focusing on education.
"When you combine education and water filtration, you lower
the risks associated with water-borne diseases," said Mr.
Rahaman. "When you couple that with routine follow-up visits,
you promote long term sustainability at the community level.
That is what this project is all about."
Following up with the families after they get the filters is
a critical component of long-term sustainability of the project.
Visits occur after one week, one month and three months.
"We conduct satisfaction assessments with filter recipients
to ensure that they are using the filters properly, to make
sure the filters are still functioning and to examine what kinds
of improved hygiene practices are taking place," said P.W.
Jithananda Ranawaka, ceramic water filter project supervisor
for the Sri Lanka Red Cross.
As midday broke in Matara and the last of the families carried
away their water filters, the Red Cross prepared to head to
the next community and another day of distribution, education
and protected health. Mrs. De Silva stood near the long branches
of the Bodhi tree and reflected on the day’s events.
"As soon as I thought about the filters, I thought about
my school," she said. "We need these filters in our
classrooms. It makes perfect sense."
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A
Sri Lankan Red Cross worker demonstrates how to use a
ceramic water filter. (p16685)
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A
Sri Lankan woman receives a ceramic water filter kit from
a Red Cross worker. (p16686)
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