Evaluation of Current Socio-Economic Status for Development of Water Supply and Sanitation in Rural Sector

Abstract

The present study was carried out on Deiyanwela area in Aranayake DSD in Kegalle District to identify the socio-economic status in the study area for the provision of necessary planning information in implementing the Water Supply and Sanitation Improvement project and identify critical issues. A semi-structured questionnaire survey was conducted for households (n=100) for assessing the Social-demographic and economic background of the community through random sampling technique in project impact area. Majority, (95%) indicated that their livelihood pattern as mixed economic while (5%) as agricultural. (88%) of the families were headed by males whereas (12%) families are headed by females in the project area. Project impact area is composed of (99%) Sinhalese population and (1%) Tamils population respectively. In terms of Water Consumption Patterns, (21%) of houses use existing water supply scheme and (12%) fulfill their water requirement from private protected wells located within their premises. Surface water usage is (23%), which is not safe unless subjected to disinfection before drinking. (80%) of the respondents mentioned that water is insufficient during dry seasons, which may cause to reduce the water quality as well. Majority of the respondents (79%) mentioned that they were not satisfied with their present water supply. Therefore, they expect an improvement of the existing water supply facilities. In relation to health and hygiene, since, currently there was no proper water treatment method, (95%) people followed domestic purification methods such as domestic filters and boiling; whereas (5%) are using traditional purification methods. Nearly (85%) of the households had proper sanitation facilities while (5%) of the people did not have toilets. From these (85%), (50%) was accounted for water sealed toilets with cistern and (35%) accounted for water sealed toilets without cistern. Since the current water supply was insufficient to cover their demand, majority of the people were willing to acquire new water connection. Thus, (96%) people were willing to pay a monthly water bill. (22%) of households receive the government food subsidy of Samurdhi given for households living below the official poverty line with regards to economy. (33%) of the people were involved in professions in the private sector, (24%) accounted for the Agriculture while unemployed population was (2%). The monthly expenditure, (42%) of people earned monthly income of LKR.10, 000-20,000 and only (3%) of people earned more than LKR.50, 000. In conclusion it revealed that there was a necessity and high demand for pipe born water, sanitation and economic development and incorporation of a water supply and sanitation improvement project is a sustainable solution.