Twenty villages in Uva to be developed

Lakshmi DE SILVA

Accelerated development programs started in 20 backward villages in Uva Province this year would improve the living standard of the villagers, a senior official from the Nation Building Ministry told the Daily News on Wednes day.

The Government had allocated Rs. 780 million in 2009 for the Moneragala and Badulla districts for the development of rural roads, drinking water supply projects, minor irrigation schemes, rural electrification, health, education and other social development programs and already Rs. 338 million had been released as expenses incurred for these projects, he said.

Raththanapitiya, Madatagama, Ruhunu Danavva, Yal Kumbura, Kalugaha Vadiya, Ihawa, Galtemmandiya, Siripura, Kotaveheragama, Kiri Ibban Wewa and Karavile villages in the Moneragala district would be developed under a rapid development program in two months while another nine villages in the Badulla district would also be developed, he noted.

All schools in the two districts with cadjan roofs would be given permanent roofs and new buildings would also be constructed under this project, the official said.

In addition, electric fences to prevent elephants foraging into villages in the Moneragala and Badulla districts would be constructed with the assistance from the Iranian Government, he said.