For IDP welfare:

Mega water supply project

Chaminda Perera

Resettlement and Relief Services Minister Risad Badhiutheen yesterday commissioned a mega water supply project to cater to the displaced civilians at Kadirgamar, Arunachal, Anandakumaraswamy and Ramanathanpuram welfare centres in Settikulam.

This project costing over Rs. 400 million was co funded by the UNICEF and the Government.

A Ministry spokesman said the water purification plant erected on the banks of Malwattu Oya provides more than five million litres of water to these welfare centres a day.

He said the construction of the project was completely handled by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board.

Water tanks have also been erected for each welfare centre under this project. Over 16 water bowsers have also been kept ready to meet any emergency situation at the welfare centres.

The Ministry also initiated the construction of another welfare village at Settikulam where more than 25,000 displaced are expected to be accommodated.

The civilians who have been given accommodation in Government schools and public buildings will move over to this new welfare village. The objective of setting up the new welfare village is to open schools and establish civil administration in the area.