Govt to reconstruct Muttur, resettle displaced

Rajmi Manatunga

COLOMBO: The Government yesterday said it would commence reconstructing the Muttur area damaged by LTTE shelling and resettling its displaced civilians before the Ramazan festival.

"Our aim is to commence reconstruction soon and facilitate the safe return of the large number of displaced civilians before the Ramazan festival," Minister A.H.M. Fowzie who oversees the Muttur relief and reconstruction programme said.

He said a special discussion to formulate the Muttur reconstruction programme will be held today with the participation of Members of Parliament representing the area and several non-governmental organisations operating in the East. According to the Minister, the Government has already taken steps to restore the electricity and water supply in Muttur destroyed due to terrorist attacks. Swift measures will also be taken to renovate the Muttur hospital and other damaged infrastructure.

"At today's discussion we will look into the extent of damage caused to the houses and public buildings of the area and decide on a date to start reconstruction. We will also seek the assistance of NGOs to carry out the reconstruction activities," he said.

Fowzie said that a large number of countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Malaysia and the Maldives have pledged to provide financial aid for the reconstruction.

It has also been decided to set up security posts at identified spots in the area to protect the township from possible terrorist attacks in the future.