Minister Basil Rajapaksa launches development
project:
Delft Island to become eco-tourist resort
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa told the people in
Delft Island, to get ready to receive tourists under their care as he
has plans to put up cabana like tourist cottages to be maintained by
residents of the island.
The beautification of the island as a tourist attraction will be
undertaken by the government. The deepening of the Dutch period Jetty
was officially commissioned by the minister.
The people who will own the cottages once completed will be trained
in hospitality trade as it is the people of the island will maintain and
manage those cottages that will bring them an additional revenue.
Work on a water supply scheme to ensure pure drinking water,
improvement of the roadways and the renovation of the Jetty commenced on
Saturday under Minister Rajapaksa’s patronage. A bund to prevent salt
water intrusion is also to be constructed shortly.
Meanwhile on par with the development in the mainland in Jaffna
peninsula, people living in the islands were provided with their basic
needs under an ongoing fast track development project by the Economic
Development Ministry under the guidance of minister Rajapaksa.
Around 1500 families who were provided water through bowsers so far
were given pipe borne water. Water through the pipeline is being taken
to Mandativu from Allaippiddy around 25 km away from the island. The
project costs Rs 11 million.
The minister after opening the water scheme on Saturday at Mandativu
Vidyalayam, said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed the
authorities to uplift the livelihood of the people while carrying out
development activities.
“First priority is given for pipe borne water supply followed by
providing facilities for agriculture and fishery activities. Water
pumps, Fishery nets and other essentials are being distributed among the
people as immediate livelihood assistance,” he said.
Minister Douglas Devananda and Governor G A Chandrasiri were also
present.
The minister also has another plan for Delft Island. That is to
convert it into a tourist resort with the setting up of new tourist
hotels in the coming years.
The minister observed that this is the first time since independence
that the Jaffna peninsula has been allocated a vast amount for a series
of development activities in the mainland and the islands.
A water supply scheme and the rehabilitation of the salt water
exclusion bund was also inaugurated by the minister. |