Development funds should be fully utilized - Minister Rajitha

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Money allocated by the government for development projects should be spent for the relevant development programmes entirely. Not utilizing the full allocation for development programmes is unfair and cannot be condoned, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said.

Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne at the ceremony to inaugurate the construction work of the Aluthgama market

"In 2007, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) allocated Rs 53.5 million for the development of the fisheries sector. But the fisheries sector authorities spent only Rs 2.2 million. They allocated Rs 84.6 million for the fisheries sector in 2008 but fishermen received only Rs 19.8 million. This is an uncalled for situation which fishermen have to face," he added.

The minister was addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Aluthgama market. The Post-Tsunami Coastal Rehabilitation Programme which comes under the purview of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry received Rs 9.8 million from IFAD for the construction of this project.

This market complex will consist of 36 permanent stalls, 70 open stalls, canteen, car park, five fish and meat stalls. All other infrastructure facilities too will be provided. Construction of this market is to be completed in four months.

"If we do not take the benefits from the funds which are received through donations, they will be slashed and go to foreign projects. It is an unacceptable situation and we should know how to spend these funds on development programmes in a more profitable manner," the minister said.

He said: "We received Rs 28.6 million in 2010 and we spent Rs 25.7 million for a number of development projects. As a result in 2011 we received Rs 42 million from IFAD. We already spent Rs 20 million out of that total amount," Minister Senaratne explained.

Western Provincial Council Member Piyal Nishantha, Beruwela Pradeshiya Sabha chairman Prasanna Sanjeewa, IFAD project national coordinator D. Prathapasinghe and IFAD Kalutara district Manager Neel Munasinghe also participated.