ACCESSIBILITY OF DRINKING WATER AMONG THE RESETTLEDPEOPLE IN THE ERAVUR PATTU DIVISIONAL SECRETARIAT AREAOF BATTICALOA DISTRICT, SRI LANKA

Abstract

A study was carried out to assess the availability and accessibility of drinking water among the
resettled population in the Eravur Pattu Divisional Secretariat area of Batticaloa district. A cross
sectional study was carried out with a random sample of 1290 households in the nine (09)
villages of Eravur Pattu DS division of Batticaloa district. The data collection was through the
use of a structured questionnaire, which was pre-tested before used for the household survey.
Secondary data necessary for the study were obtained from the relevant sources. Data collected
were analyzed by using SPSS 16.0. The findings revealed that majority (76%) of the dwellings
had access to public water sources and have to travel more than 100 m to fetch the drinking
water. Analysis based on the standard water source distance (250 m) indicated that 72.9% of the
households had water source distance lesser than 250 m and rest of the households have to travel
more than 250 m to get their drinking water. Chi-square analysis indicated that ownership of the
water source was significantly influenced by the family income. Also, significant difference was
observed between household income and water source distance. These information need to be
considered by the Government of Sri Lanka and other Non Governmental Organizations to plan
long-term water aid programs for returnees.