At the end of the five day TOT program a report (joint report in the event of two trainers sharing in
instruction) must be prepared and forwarded to FCCISL. The report will be brief and cover the following:
·Number of participants each day along with daily attendance sheets
·Brief description of trainee participation level
·Noteworthy problems and how these were or can be overcome
·Comment suggestions on the logistics in relation to arrangements for accommodation, meals etc.
·Summary of evaluation responses along with evaluation forms submitted by participants
·Any noteworthy features or suggestions for improvement of the TOT program
Trainers are encouraged to carry out their assignment with a sense of commitment and dedication. These
positive qualities along with genuine enthusiasm are likely to rub-off to trainees who are potential trainers and
eventually contribute to the success of the total program.
WHY HARVEST RAINWATER?
Many communities in areas with low annual rainfall experience difficulty in obtaining a sustained supply of
water for drinking and cooking and washing. Rainwater harvesting from roofs of houses using Ferro cement
collection tanks has been used successfully in many parts of the world including Sri Lanka. Annual rainfall
in the wet and dry and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka is adequate to initiate rain water harvesting in all
three zones. The lower sides of the roof of the house must be fitted with adequately sized rainwater gutters
to collect and direct the run-off rainwater. UPVC gutters are preferred to Galvanized Iron gutters that
corrode easily. A simple, controllable diversion system is employed to channel run-off rainwater from the
roof into an above-ground tank made of Ferro cement. Using simple filters, dust and other particles in the
run-off water have to be filtered before the water enters the storage tank. The choice of Ferro cement for
tank construction is guided by considering cost optimization, replicability and performance characteristics
as well as acceptance by beneficiary communities. If cheaper options that ensure adequate strength and
durability are available elsewhere, these can be adopted after consultation with beneficiaries.
The benefits from harvesting rainwater from rooftops are many:
?Eliminates or reduces time spent by women to fetch water from distant sources
?Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated with the house, which makes water readily accessible
?Encourages water conservation and self-dependence
?Rainwater is naturally soft unlike most well water
?Rainwater is relatively contamination free, thereby reducing the risk of water borne diseases.
?Properly stored water can be used for drinking and cooking and washing
?Ground water sources are increasingly depleted or getting polluted. Bore wells are silting up, or running
out of water due to over-harvesting, thereby making ground water unreliable or unsafe.
?The use of Ferro cement for tank construction is cost-effective and proven in Sri Lanka
?Skill for Ferro cement technology can readily be passed on to masons who can use their acquired skill
profitably in replicating rainwater harvesting tanks.
Some disadvantages of collected rainwater are:
?The initial cost of construction of the tank and associated mechanisms.
?Rainwater is mineral-free and has a flat taste and is not popular for drinking.
3