July 2025, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. UN-Habitat with funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), is establishing several water supply and sanitation initiatives in the city of Nuwara Eliya in close partnership with the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council (MC). Recently, a delegation led by the KOICA Country Director, Ms. Yooli Lee, visited some of the major Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions and held discussions with project partners and community members.

Srinagar community sewerage system: This underserved settlement relies on an outdated, unprotected open sewerage drainage system, exposing the residents to noxious odors and severe health and environmental hazards. UN-Habitat in partnership with the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council, is upgrading and modernizing the sewerage system at a cost of LKR.126,300,000 (USD 421,000). Mr. P Balasooriyan, a resident of Srinagar said: “We have no option. Our wastewater flows into open drains. Thanks to this project, we are already experiencing relief from foul odors and water-related diseases. After this project is complete, all wastewater will be channeled safely through the new pipe networks to a treatment plant.” The key sanitation management improvements at Srinagar settlement includes the construction of wastewater treatment tanks; manholes and inspection chamber; raw water collection tank and installation of a comprehensive pipe network. Around 200 households will be connected to the system, enabling both blackwater and greywater to be treated before the effluent is discharged into the canal in full compliance with Central Environmental Authority (CEA) regulations.

Lake Gregory water recycling facility: Nuwara Eliya faces water shortages during the dry season, and many residents use potable water for home gardening and agricultural activities. As a solution to this issue, UN-Habitat together with the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council is establishing a water recycling facility at Lake Gregory.  This intervention, costing LKR.47,100,000 (USD 157,000), will enable the reuse of wastewater for home gardening and agriculture, reducing pressure on drinking water supplies. Nearly 300 families will benefit, enhancing their livelihoods through the cultivation of vegetables and flowers in their home gardens.

Haddon Hill Water purification system: The current water purification system located at Haddon Hill is unable to meet the increasing demand for clean water in Nuwara Eliya. Through this project, the purification plant’s capacity and infrastructure are being significantly improved at a cost of LKR.64,500,000 (USD 215,000) to ensure a reliable drinking water supply. Improvements include the two main water intakes, construction of a water sump, upgraded plumbing and chlorination systems, turbidity detection, valve controls, and other essential facilities. Discussing this vital initiative, Mr. P. Premananth, Municipal Engineer of the Nuwara Eliya MC, stated: “Tourism in Sri Lanka has surged, and Nuwara Eliya with its abundance of natural beauty is at the heart of that increase. Consequently, our water demand has been rising rapidly. As the Municipal Council, we are currently unable to provide uninterrupted water supply to residents and businesses. Thanks to the support from KOICA, the Haddon Hill water supply improvement project will significantly alleviate this challenge.” The upgraded system will benefit over 45,000 people as well as businesses in the city.

The KOICA team also visited the water testing laboratory established at the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council premises to enable faster and more accurate water quality assessments. Home to many natural springs that flow throughout the country, this laboratory will benefit a wider population beyond the Nuwara Eliya district.

All initiatives are funded through the USD 5.5 Mn, KOICA project Strengthening Socioeconomic Resilience of Communities Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Central and Uva Provinces of Sri Lanka, which is implemented by UN-Habitat in the Nuwara Eliya and Badulla Districts.