Swift measures to rebuild Muttur

Rajmi Manatunga

COLOMBO: Swift measures will be taken to reconstruct the Muttur area and resettle civilians displaced owing to LTTE attacks in their original places of residence, the Government assured yesterday.

Minister A.H.M. Fowzie co-ordinating and overseeing the relief programme in Muttur, told the Daily News that the Government will take immediate steps to repair the houses and restore the infrastructure of the town destroyed by the LTTE shelling.

"Around 27,000 to 30,000 civilians in Muttur have been displaced as a result of the LTTE attacks. They are presently accommodated in Kantale.

Once the damaged houses are rebuilt and the electricity supply restored they will be resettled in Muttur," he said.

The Muttur hospital damaged by LTTE mortar attacks will also be reconstructed. Fowzie said the Special Relief Centre set up at the Kantale Divisional Secretariat will continue to provide relief to the thousands of civilians who had fled Muttur to Kantale and Kinniya, and around 15,000 others remaining in Muttur.

"The Centre will look into the requirements of the displaced and ensure that they are provided with food and other facilities. International relief organisations working in the area have also extended their maximum support to the programme".