Rs. 1.4 b to reconstruct bridges
 

by Rajmi Manatunga

The Highways Ministry has launched a programme to rehabilitate and reconstruct bridges in several parts of the country at a cost of Rs 1.4 billion.

Ministry Secretary S. Amarasekere told the Daily News that 27 main bridges on the island's road network are being reconstructed under the project.

"The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development has provided financial assistance for the project by way of a grant. We have already commenced work on 24 bridges," he said.

Road Development Authority Chairman M. B. S. Fernando said the reconstruction of the Bentota bridge and the Kelaniya bridge was among the main ventures under the project.

"We hope to complete work on the Kelani bridge by the end of this year. Reconstruction of the Bentota bridge will be concluded next year," he said.

The Ministry hopes to complete reconstruction of all 27 bridges in 2006.