Urban development in Northern Province fast tracked

Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Ministry has launched a program through the National Physical Planning Department and Urban Development Authority to expedite preparation of a regional plan for the Northern Region together with development plans for main cities identified such as Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Mankulam, Mannar and Vavuniya.

The Ministry has also initiated a development program in addition to the urban centres to improve service centres in five districts within the province in line with the re-settlement program implemented by the Government. Accordingly 40 service centres have been identified at the initial stage.

The main objective of this program is to provide basic facilities such as community trade health centre etc. to served the community. The Urban Development Authority has further initiated preparation of the development plans for main cities in the region on a priority basis.

Vavuniya Development Plans have already been completed with the assistance of political authorities of the district, the Government Agent and all heads of the government institutions in the region, Head of the urban council and members of the council. UDA has completed the task within a short period in compliance with the national and regional policies to promote development.

The plan was approved by Minister Gunawardena on December 4 at a function at the Vavuniya District Secretariat.

The area covered in the development plan is 11,480 ha. and includes 25 Grama Niladhari Divisions. From the past, Vavuniya Town has developed as a main trade and commerce centre to serve the catchment area. These projects will be implemented by the respective government agencies over the period of 21 years from 2009-2030 using government funds and the funds expected from foreign agencies. The Vavuniya Government agent will coordinate the implementation of projects.