Equipment, funds for flood-hit areas

Rasika Somarathna

The Disaster Management and Human Rights Ministry yesterday released equipment and funds worth over Rs. 22 million for several districts affected by the recent floods to help renovate damaged infrastructure and strengthen the disaster management process with effective new measures .

According to Ministry sources the main intention is to upgrade infrastructure including proper canal and sewage systems which enable water levels to recede fast. Ratnapura district has been allocated Rs. 14 million and according to sources it is expected to be utilised to renovate damaged roads and clean canals in the area.

In addition, Rs. 1.9 million has been given to upgrade canals in the Katukurunda area of the Kalutara district. A bowser valued at Rs. 6 million capable of disposing waste from canals and sewages quickly has been given to authorities in the Weligama area with UNICEF help, Ministry sources said.

Several other areas have also been provided with money and equipment to strengthen the disaster management process in those districts, Ministry sources said.