Road development, a priority in the North

by Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

Investigations and surveys on reconstruction of the A-9 road and on around 300 kilometres of roads in the Jaffna peninsula have commenced and the work on the project is expected to resume by the end of the year, said Secretary to the Ministry of Highways, S. Amarasekera.

“Preparatory work on the renovation of Northern roads will start within around 4-5 months with an estimated investment of around US$ 750 million under the Uthuru Wasanthaya program”, he said.

Amarasekera said work on the A-9 road has been completed to a great extent and has helped transportation. With the completion of the entire road business activities will resume fully.

Infrastructure development in the Northern and the Eastern provinces is a priority under the Uthuru Wasanthaya and Nagenahira Navodaya programs launched by the government.

A team comprising ministry officials and experts in various fields are on a mission to implement development projects in the North. Following the feasibility study ministries will be called upon to implement programs in the province. “Over 50 percent of the Southern Highway has been completed and work on the project is expected to be completed by mid 2010”, the Secretary said.

“The project funded by the Asian Development Bank, Japan and the government of Sri Lanka is one of the major highway development programs launched to accelerate development in the country”, he said. He said work on the Colombo-Katunayake Express Highway has commenced and the project is expected to be completed in about three years.

“Steps have been taken to compensate families that will be affected by the project”, Amarasekera said.

Work on the expressway resumed after a lapse of around five years. The project came to a standstill due to protests.

He said tender procedure has been completed and awarding of contracts for the 28 kilometre Outer Circle Highway will be made within two months.

The project which will cover major cities in the Western province will provide access to main roads and will help reduce traffic congestion in the Colombo city.