Expedite tsunami housing construction

Minister directs officials

K. A. Perera, Wadduwa Special Corr.

WADDUWA: Foreign Employment Minister and Posts and Telecommunication Deputy Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena directed the officials to expedite the construction of houses to tsunami displaced families who are still living in temporary dwellings.

The Minister was speaking at the Kalutara District Co-ordinating Committee Meeting at the Kalutara Divisional Secretariat.

He said the Government officials should pay more attention on NGOs engaged in tsunami housing construction.

"The CEB Engineer has informed that there is rapid progress in power supply. The CEB has recommended that the sodium bulbs be fixed at two bridges including the new railway bridge for security reasons.

The Minister said he would discuss with the defence Ministry to import bulbs from India for this purpose.

Kalutara SSP Anil Senaratna said, Several boats have been utilised at night to provide security to these bridges. Kalutara Bodhi Trust General Manager R. M. C. Bandaranaike said already bulbs have been installed at these bridges to provide security and even the under surface of the bridges are illuminated, but nine bulbs of electrical posts are not operating."

Anil Senaratna said. It would cost Rs. 1,70,176 to instal electrical bulbs.

Kalutara Rural Development Director has informed that this project should be implemented by the Road Development Authority. The Samurdhi Organisation is implementing this project. A problem has been arisen in implementing the project. Minister Abeygunawardhana said the Road Development Authority undertake major projects.

This project should be given to the 'Samurdhi.' I shall speak to the secretary regarding the matter, he said.

Kalutara Assistant Samurdhi Commissioner Saputhanthri said Rs. 8 lakhs have been received to construct culverts across the Mawala canal under the Gami Isuru Programme.

S. Hapuarachchi the District secretary of Kalutara also addressed. The Minister presided the meeting.