RDA to repair rain damaged roads

by Ananda Kannangara

The reconstruction of 60 percent of roads countrywide, especially in the Western Province which was devastated by the recent rains will be commenced by the Road Development Authority (RDA) shortly.

The RDA will be assisted by respective Local Government bodies and Provincial Councils to expedite the program.It is reported that many a road surface in the city of Colombo and suburbs has been badly damaged due to heavy rains which also rendered over 500,000 people homeless.

Deputy Economy Development Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya told the Sunday Observer that the reconstruction process of the damaged road network in the country is vital to carry out the Government’s economic development programs countrywide.He said under this program each provincial council or the local body has to play a major role to find out the devastated by-roads and main roads that are located in their respective areas.

The “Government has released the required funds to make this program a success and the construction work of the damaged roads as well as culverts and bridges will be commenced soon after the present weather conditions recede.Meanwhile, a senior RDA official said that 80 percent of the damaged bridge near the Rattanapitiya Junction on Colombo-Piliyandala main road has been completed and people could now use the road without any hindrance.

He also said construction of the marine drive from Bambalapitiya to Galle Face would be completed within the next few days.