Access to safe drinking water had always been essential for maintaining good health and well-being. Unfortunately, students at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, had faced difficulties in obtaining clean water due to a shortage of purifiers. As the student population grew, the existing resources were no longer sufficient to meet the demand, putting students at risk of waterborne illness. To tackle this pressing issue, Project Pure Aqua was introduced to install high-quality water filters, ensuring sustainable and safe water access for all.
The lack of clean water had been a growing concern within the faculty, as the limited number of purifiers had failed to meet the demands of the increasing student body. Many students had been forced to rely on unfiltered water sources, leading to serious health risks such as diarrhea, typhoid and cholera. The impact on students’ well-being and academic performance had made it necessary to implement an immediate and effective solution.
Project Pure Aqua aimed to address these challenges by increasing the availability of water purifiers in student hostels and shared spaces, making clean water accessible to everyone. The successful execution of Project Pure Aqua had a significant impact on the faculty and its students. With improved access to clean water, students experienced fewer health issues, reducing absenteeism and allowing them to focus better on their studies, further, this initiative strengthened the faculty’s reputation as a leader in sustainable development, setting an example for other institutions.
Public support had been essential in expanding and maintaining the project. Raising awareness through various platforms helped secure the necessary resources, while the filters were funded by the UN, provided by St. Anthony’s Hardware (Pvt) Ltd, Colombo 10, and installed with the support of the university plumbers, ensuring sustainable access to clean water for students.
Clean drinking water had not just been a necessity; it was a fundamental right. By addressing the shortage of water purifiers, Project Pure Aqua created a healthier and more sustainable environment for students. Through collective effort and ongoing support, the project had the potential to make a lasting difference, ensuring that every student had access to safe drinking water for years to come. As Rotaractors, we believed in service above self, and this project was a testament to that commitment.
