Jul 1, 2008 (DVB), The National League for Democracy's Cyclone Relief Committee started its work cleaning ponds in villages in Latputta township in the Irrawaddy Delta on Monday, according to committee chairperson Ohn Kyaing.

The committee announced its plans last week to focus its efforts on providing clean drinking water to cyclone-hit villages.

The chairperson said that the committee would begin by cleaning ponds in 35 villages in the area including Daungtalein, Kharchinkwin and Shankyaung, using six water pumps. The ponds were destroyed by salt water brought in by the cyclone in early May.

"Based on the amount of support we receive we will continue to arrange for locals to have easy access to drinking water," said Ohn Kyaing.

After the cleaning, the committee will mend the ponds, collect rain water and then test if it is drinkable. If necessary, the committee will also use alkaline and purifying tablets to treat the water.

With the cooperation of local NLD members, the committee expects to finish the cleaning process for 60 ponds in Latputta, which will cost 300,000 kyat per pond, within the month.

"After Latputta, we will move on to ponds in Mawlamyaingkyun and Bogalay," said Ohn Kyaing.

Reporting by Khin Hnin Htet