Largest Red Cross water supply in the world completed.

253 Km of a Red Cross funded water supply handed over
 to Water Board in Sri Lanka

Earlier in August, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka  planned to come to Ampara to innaugurate the US$ 10 million Red Cross water supply that serves 75,000 people, hospitals, schools and livelihood projects .

Unfortunately the PM was sick and cancelled his visit so as we had to hand over the water supply before end of August, and  it was technically handed over from the Sri Lanka Red Cross and IFRC on Tuesday 30 August 2011 at a small ceremony in Ampara. to the National Water Board. This massive project supervised and funded by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), in partnership with Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, is the largest water supply project every constructed in the wiorld.

The Water and Sanitation programme has managed to give clean drinking water for over 75,000 families on the Eastern seaboard and was achieved by laying over 253 kms of pipeline. Below are photos and details from the small booklet we handed out at the ceremony.

A few weeks ago, we went to the village of Kolavil 3 in Akkaraipattu, which is around 45 kms north of Pottuvil to meet several beneficiaries in order to asses our work. By the time, we arrived at the village there were around 30 women, children and men sitting in front of a Hindu temple also known as a Kovil.

Here we met Sushila, a 33-year-old mother of 2. She was also among the crowd that came to the village meeting that day. She was very much eager to speak to us and tell us how glad that she and her family now have access to clean drinking water.

“There were times that we walked miles and miles to the water post provided by the local authority. With my kid it is very difficult as I am the only one at home in the daytime. Therefore, I have to carry him, go, and come back with another pot of water. Life was difficult then. But after the Red Cross took steps to bring water to our village, I thank God for that” says Sushila

So finally, the largest every water supply funded by the IFRC is completed and handed over to the Government, and it ends our tsunami work in Sri Lanka. Six years, 8 months and one week of heartbreak, hope, joy and completion. It is such a joy to go to schools, hospitals, clinics and villages to see the work the Red Cross has done, and to get such positive feedback, and 9.5 times out of 10, people are highly satisfied with the work we have done. We have stuck to our mantra of 'building back better.'

My favourite New Zealand mountains

Last weekend I spent a lot of time sorting out my photos of the New Zealand mountains and I thought I would post a few of my favourites.. I spent many years working in the NZ mountains as a guide, running national parks, outdoor education work and as an amateur climber.

Mike Browne and Chris Jillet heading up from the head of the Tatare to Mt. McFettrick. Photo: Bob McKerrow

Castle Rocks hut and the Franz Josef Glacier. Photo: Bob McKerrow

Charlie Hobbs (l), Bob McKerrow and Roy Smith. Bob displaying his new book on Ebenezer Teichelmann at the Old Mountaineer Pub at Aoraki Mt. Cook. Photo: Aroha McKerrow

Skiing with a bunch of friends at the head of the Franz Josef neve. Photo: Bob McKerrow

The Catholic Church at Franz Josef in winter. St. Mildred peak and its satellites on the skyline. Photo: Bob McKerrow

The Minerets and Eli de Beaumont and peaks at the head of the Tasman Glacier. Photo: Bob McKerrow

With 6th and 7th form pupils from Westland High on the summit of St. Mildred overlooking the Franz neve. This was sponsored by the Charlie Douglas young explorers scheme. Photo: Bob McKerrow

Lake Mapourika, near Franz Josef and the Fritz Range with St. Mildred's Dome on the far left. Photo: Bob McKerrow

With Chris Bonniungton (l) at Fox Glacier after skiing down from Pioneer Hut: Photo: Mike Browne

The Fritz Range with the Minarets on the far left top corner. Photo: Bob McKerrow

A climber heading toward the high peak of Red Lion. Mount Evans to the left. Photo: Bob McKerrow

Climbing Elie de Beaumont from the west. Photo: Bob McKerrow

Haast, Lendenfeld and Tasman in winter. Photo: Bob McKerrow

On the summit of Lendenfeld with Pene Evison, looking to the north shoulder of Tasman and beyond. Photo: Bob McKerrow.

The blistered feet of Stuart Drake (l), Jerry Feazey and Barry Hanson after we had come over Graham Saddle and stopped for the day at de la Beche. Photo: Bob McKerrow