One major issue in the camps is sanitation. This leads to further medical problems so ACT is trying to support the responsible authorities with waste management. To that end ACT has facilitated access for 3R Asia (a LIRNEasia program) to make two visits to the camps.

On their latest visit they delivered cleaning supplies, and are also working with the local authorities to roster much needed staff to manage the extraordinary amount of garbage. Their reports are available from the 3R site.

Management of solid waste in the Manic farm IDP camp is a challenge faced by the Vavuniya urban council. If not managed properly, solid waste can bring about a variety of problems especially in a sensitive environment with a high population density with minimal facilities.

In a bid to assist the local governments who has to bear brunt of solid waste management in the IDP camps, a waste management team from Balangoda urban council headed by the council chairman Mr. Nimal Weerasinghe visited Manic farm IDP camp yesterday on a fact finding mission. During the visit discussions were held with Mr. S. Achchutan, ACLG Northern province, Mr. Galigamuwa, Camp manager Zone 2 and Dr. Herath (MOH) IDP camp. (First visit)

LIRNEAsia facilitated a visit to Zone 2 to introduce a recycler and an Effective Microbes (EM) expert  to personnel handing waste within IDP camps. In Block 19 in Zone 1 We met with three IDPs who have previously worked in local authorities in Palavi, Mulaitivu, and  Jaffna, and a Grama niladari  who is now a Grama Niladari for division 19 in zone 2.  These IDP officials were keen to learn how to manage their waste better.  There are 347 families in Block 19 and one kitchen and 24 toilets. The block was well maintained by the young and enthusiastic  Grama Niladari, Mr. Kulasingam.

Ms. Darshini demonstrated how a solution of EM can be used to reduce smells and flies from kitchen waste water . Since the EM solution takes time to act and the impermeable  soil conditions at Menic Farm require that these pits are emptied  every 2-3 days, the tam decided that EM technology is not appropriate for Menic Farm. Mr. Ilias inspteced the condition for the economic feasibility of buying inorganic waste such as plastics, inspected, paper, glass and metal  from residents for recycling and concluded that he would like to do a trial in Zone 2.

Preparations are underway for personnel from Balangoda and other LGAs to visit with and assist Solid waste personnel in Chettikulam PS and IDP (Second Visit)