Rs. 780 m for Badulla, Moneragala rural infrastructure development

Lakshmi de SILVA

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

The Government has 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.

Already Rs. 338 million has 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 will be developed under a rapid development program in two months while another nine villages from Badulla District would also be developed,” he said.

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

In addition electrified fences to prevent elephants foraging into villages in the Moneragala and Badulla districts will be constructed with assistance from the Iranian Government to protect the lives of the people in the villages and to save their crops threatened by wild elephants.