Under the Livelihood Development Support & Waste Management Programme, funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and implemented by Janathakshan, a four-day canal cleaning initiative was launched on 28 January 2026 at the Janaka Sooriya Bandara Ground Canal in Horape, Wattala.
Addressing Post-Flood Environmental and Livelihood Challenges
Following the recent floods in the Horape and Wattala areas, severe environmental degradation was observed, including blocked canals, accumulated solid waste, and stagnant water. These conditions increased flood vulnerability, posed public health risks, and disrupted the livelihoods of Informal Waste Collectors (IWCs) who depend on waste recovery for income.
In response, the canal cleaning programme was initiated to simultaneously restore environmental conditions and provide temporary livelihood assistance to affected communities.
Programme Implementation
The programme officially commenced on 28 January 2026, engaging approximately 25 Informal Waste Collectors from flood-affected communities on the first day. Participants were supported through a cash-for-work mechanism, enabling them to earn short-term income while actively contributing to environmental rehabilitation efforts.
Cleaning activities focused on:
- Removal of flood debris and accumulated solid waste
- Clearing canal blockages
- Improving water flow and drainage efficiency
These efforts directly contributed to reducing water stagnation, minimizing future flood risks, and improving sanitation conditions in the surrounding communities.
Strong Institutional Collaboration
Janathakshan played a central role in planning, coordinating, and implementing the programme. Key responsibilities included mobilizing Informal Waste Collectors, facilitating community engagement, coordinating with local authorities, and ensuring safe and dignified working conditions for all participants. Drawing on its experience in inclusive waste management and livelihood recovery, Janathakshan ensured that the intervention addressed both environmental and socio-economic recovery needs.
The Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) provided strong institutional support to ensure the success of the initiative. The Chairman, Secretary, and municipal staff actively contributed by:
- Providing machinery support for canal cleaning
- Supplying additional labour assistance
- Facilitating on-site coordination and operational support
This collaborative approach enabled efficient implementation, proper waste handling, and alignment with local environmental management priorities.
Strengthening Resilience Through Inclusive Recovery
The programme is expected to result in improved canal functionality and drainage capacity, reduced flood risk, enhanced public health conditions, and short-term income generation for vulnerable Informal Waste Collectors.
By linking environmental restoration with livelihood support, the initiative demonstrates a people-centred and integrated approach to post-disaster recovery, contributing to strengthened resilience in flood-affected urban and peri-urban communities.
The canal cleaning activities will continue over the next two days, further enhancing environmental conditions and supporting livelihood stability in the Horape and Wattala areas.
