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.
