Jaffna district comes alive with Govt projects

By P. Krishnaswamy

Divi Neguma cottage industry exhibition

Issue of coconut saplings

Northern civil administration authorities expressed optimism that the Jaffna district will regain what it had lost in development, due to the over three decades LTTE anarchy, on completion of the several ongoing projects of the UPFA government, primarily in the spheres of infrastructure, rehabilitation, livelihood, agriculture and education.

Train services up to Kankesanthurai, road transport on the A9 and other asphalted highways to all parts of the country, modern towns, housing complexes, agricultural and fisheries productivity, housing projects with running water from the Iranamadu project, electricity to the entire region, enhanced irrigation facilities and upgraded hospitals and sanitary facilities will be in place before long, transforming the district into a lively region.

The resettlement and rehabilitation process having been successfully completed, people have resumed their traditional professions with government assistance.

The reconstruction of the 56 Km railway line from Palai to Kankesanthurai and renovation of railway stations have been started by the Government of India at a cost of US $ 150 million. The land cleansing has almost been completed and with the rails for the project having arrived, it is anticipated that the project will be completed soon. Rs. 18,328.18 million has been allocated for the Jaffna-Kilinochchi Water Supply and Sanitation Project under the Iranamadu Water Supply Scheme.

A population of 435,000 living in the DS divisions of Jaffna, Thenmaradchchi, Karaveddy, Velanai, Kopay, Sandilipay, Chankanai, Nallur, Karainagar, Kayts, Poonakery and Palai will benefit. Part of the work on the project estimated to be completed within the next seven years has begun. It is an ADB, AFD and GoSL funded project. Funds have been allocated for Water Supply Schemes in Point-Pedro, Valvettithurai, Maruthankerny and Delft off-shore Island. Rs. 674 million has been allocated for the Point-Pedro Scheme under which a local population of 22,000 will benefit. Rs. 248.57 million has been allocated for the Valvettithurai scheme which will benefit 10059 residents. Rs. 25.8 million has

been allocated for the Maruthankery scheme to benefit 1,900 residents. 1,443 residents of Delft will benefit under the Scheme for the off-shore island at a cost of Rs. 12.96 million.

New office of the Valigamam Pradeshiya Sabha

A power supply project in Jaffna

Of the total power demand of 44.60 MW, the Aggreke Power Plant will provide 20 MW while the total power available is 48.00 MW. The 100 percent electrification scheme will be completed by the end of the year through the national grid. Already 8 projects have been completed at a cost of Rs. 309.61 million while the other power supply schemes in the district are in progress.

Under the Divi Neguma National Program (Stage III- 2012 ) 43,500 packets of seeds of tomato, brinjal, bittergourd, snakegourd , cucumber, green chillie and chillie were distributed among agricultural families. 50,940 packets of drumstick seeds, 11,250 packets of pomegranate seeds, 8,002 packets of lemon seeds, 7,631 packets of guava seeds, 7,050 packets of ambarella seeds, 13,460 packets of papaw seeds and 89,400 coconut seedlings were also distributed.

Under the 'Divi Neguma - One Million Homes Program' of the Economic Development Ministry, an exhibition of cottage industries was held on September 10 and 11. Jaffna Hindu College which attracted 6,000 participants. Around 2,300 beneficiaries were selected for cottage industry assistance. As at 21st October 567 beneficiaries have received training on cottage industry and 149 tools and raw materials have been distributed as at October 25.

The Ministry of Economic Development has allocated Rs. 8.4 million for many Divisional Secretariat Divisions for promoting small time local industrial products, such as palmyrah products, garments, tailoring, food based products, wood crafts and chemical based products. A total of Rs. 376.91 million was allocated last year under the Samurdhi Development Activities for promoting agriculture, industries, marketing, fisheries, livestock development and building of toilets. The Ministry of Fisheries has introduced several welfare schemes for fisher families and provided assistance including fishing gear, vessels, docking piers, fisheries harbours and marketing facilities. With fertile fishing grounds in the Northern seas fish production is on the increase.

In the health sector, Rs. 2,900 million Japanese JICA-funded Jaffna Teaching Hospital project is now in progress. Of the 22 projects 12 have been completed with funds allocated by the Health Ministry while 11 are in progress.

The Atchuvely Industrial Estate, with a funding of Rs. 253.80 million by the Government of India and Rs. 26.20 million from the GoSL, produces aluminum hardware, stainless steel products, coconut oil, sodium silicate, soap, poultry feed, canned fruits, printing ink and glassware. The total land area is 64 acres, and employment has been provided to 2,000 persons.

The UN Agencies have allocated Rs. 962.79 million for 50 projects and the projects are in progress with Rs. 575.48 million already spent. INGOs have allocated Rs. 1,040.59 million for 148 projects and Rs. 723.77 million has already been spent. Local NGOs have allocated Rs. 666.43 million and Rs. 450.29 million already spent. Under the District Development Plan for 2012 a total of Rs. 18,909.43 million has been allocated for agriculture, industries, tourism, trade, human settlements, economic infrastructure, transport and social infrastructure. The Government of India is undertaking a project to construct a cultural centre in Jaffna at a cost of SL Rs. 900 million to preserve and foster the rich cultural heritage of the Jaffna district and other areas. It is decided to develop the Jaffna Cultural Centre as an iconic building that would serve as a cynosure of cultural activities in Northern Sri Lanka.