Chinese grant for A-32 road construction

Irangika RANGE

The Chinese Government has pledged to provide financial assistance to construct the A-32 road, connecting Thalladi in Mannar with Jaffna through Pooneryn over a distance of 114.26 km.

Highways and Road Development Minister T. B. Ekanayake told the Daily News that the Chinese Government has made this pledge after the Security Forces' victory.

"This reflects the support of the international community for the humanitarian and development mission of the Government and is highly appreciated," the Minister said.

He noted that the first phase of the construction has already begun under the supervision of the Road Development Authority and the Ministry. The Government has allocated Rs. 4,950 million for the first phase. He said the Chinese fund will be utilised for the project's second phase and tenders for the construction of the second stage had already been awarded to 10 local contractors last week.

The road would be renovated by using latest technology including Double Bituminous Surface Treatment (DBST) and will be widened to 6.2 metres. It is expected that the process could be expedited with the assistance of the Task Force which was set up by the Government recently, he said.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has emphasised the speedy reconstruction of the A-32 road as it would vastly the IDPs resettlement process.

The Minister said this step would immensely improve the transport service in the entire area resulting in the speedy development of agriculture, fishing and tourism sectors.