Series of development projects to uplift people's living standards of north

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110721_03

Series of development projects to uplift people's living standards of north
On par with the development drive 'Uthuru Wasanthaya', a series of development initiatives had been carried out under the guidance of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa to provide the people of Jaffna with the basic needs, under an ongoing fast track development project.
Around 1,500 families who have been provided with water through bowsers so far, had been given pipe bone water. Water through pipe lines had been taken to Mandativu from Allaippiddy nearly 25 km away from the island. The project had cost Rs 11 million.
The minister after opening the water scheme in Mandativu Vidyalayam, said that the President had specifically instructed the authorities to uplift the livelihood of the people while carrying out development activities. Now the first priority was given to pipe borne water supply, followed by providing facilities for agriculture and fishery activities. Water pumps, fishery nets and other essentials were being distributed among the people and as an immediate livelihood assistance.
Yesterday another water supply scheme for the people of Point Pedro, who mainly depended on wells and tube wells, were provided with a massive 1350 m3 capacity elevated water tower. The project would improve the water supply infrastructure and services in the Northern region. It has been expected that the project would provide access to about 22,000, people including the settled Internally displaced persons (IDPs) with drinking water.
A foundation stone laying ceremony for the construction of a market in Murunthankerny, at a cost of Rs.4.6 million together with an electricity supply project to the same region, costing Rs. 8.5 million also took place.
Chempiyanpattu in Nagarkovil was also provided with electricity through the Uthuru Wasantha programme the same day.
Agriculture being the main livelihood of the Jaffna people, more than 15 agrarian centres have been opened within this year to facilitate the farmers in the region. Yesterday, the minister opened an important agrarian services centre in Ampan.
Laying of a foundation stone for the construction of a building for the Urban Council in Point Pedro was a key project, since it was expected to cost around Rs. 50 million.
The visit to Jaffna Hartly College in Point Pedro had been a remarkable milestone for the impressive response from the students of the college. The college infrastructure facilities also came under observation and the minister promised to fund the building of an assembly hall to the college. The funds were to be provided by the Economic Development Ministry.
A project to deepen the Valvettithurai Anchoring Point was also initiated by the minister, as the main lifeline of the people of the area - the fishing industry had also been hampered due to the facility not been properly maintained due to the war.
The government has taken a decision to allow the largest BOI approved industry to be located in Achchuveli. Another five major industries would also be set up in the North. The minister noted that this would generate more employment opportunities to the educated youth in the North.
Courtesy : Daily News