Mahaweli Left Bank Project in the pipeline:

Boon for farmers in Kinniya, Kantale

by Naalir Jamaldeen

The proposed 'Mahaweli Left Bank Development Project' will be a boon to a large number of farmers who live in Kinniya and Kantale.

When the project is complete nearly 5,000 acres of cultivable land will come under the plough during Maha and the Yala seasons. Saudi Arabian Government will provide Rs. 6,000 m to implement the project, Trincomalee district parliamentarian, M.S. Thowfique said in an interview with the Sunday Observer.

Q: Can you elaborate on the 'Mahaweli Left Bank Development Project'?

A: It's a project to be funded by the Saudi Arabian Government. My proposals take prominence in several ways, which is meant for below the poverty line in the district.

I had infact clearly mentioned this project in my election manifesto 2010.I have held discussions with Irrigation and Water Resources Management Ministry Secretary in 2010 in this regard.

He had instructed the Trincomalee District Regional Irrigation Engineer, S. Sanmugasivanathan to prepare a feasibility report on this proposed project and he inturn had visited the Kantale area in June 2010 and conducted a thorough study and sent in his completed report to me, one to Planning Director and another to the Ministry Secretary on July 26, 2010. Now steps have been taken to inaugurate this project as early as possible.

Q: Can you explain the role of the Irrigation and Water Resources Management Ministry with regard to the implementation of the project?

A: The Irrigation and Water Resources Management Ministry is the implementing agency of this project.

Planning Director of Irrigation Department, Y. Abdul Majeed who had studied the feasibility report of Engr. Sanmugasivanathan sent me a letter supporting the project proposal.

After that I contacted the Ministry Secretary and told him to make further moves. He has set up a six-member committee of Engineers R.M.W. Ratnayaka, Chandra Senarath, H.M. Junaid, Anoma Pannal, W.L.N. Buddika and G.V. Ratnasara. Director of Irrigation and Water Management Ministry Director Eng. R.M.M.W. Ratnayaka has sent the completed report on January 21 this year.

He had also stressed the necessity for such projects so as to improve the living standards of farmers.

Q: Can sustainable development be achieved in the region by implementing such a project?

A: The project has been drafted in the manner to effect the Mahinda Chinthana national development concept.

The project proposal includes ways and means of achieving self-sufficiency and sustainable development in the region.

Uninterrupted water resources is vital for the agriculture sector development. The "Mahaweli Left Bank Development Project' will make significant changes in the life of the farmer community in the Kinniya and Kantale Divisions.

Q: Can you elaborate on the funding process?

A: A perfect mechanism is necessary to raise funds. When a project proposal is forwarded to a foreign country, it should have all the facts relevant to the project. Only then the donor country will come forward.

Q: Can you explain the planning process?

A: The success of a project depends on proper planning. One may have several plans in his or her mind for the future development.

Likewise, if a country's economic and social developments should take place simultaneously, it is possible only when plans are drafted in a favourable atmosphere.

This has also been widely accepted by economic, political and geographical experts.

Planning is the first step of development of a country.

Planning must be perfect, only then the target could be reached. So, I have focused my attention on the livelihood and economic improvement of people who live below the poverty line.

Q: What are the special features of this project?

A: The proposed project takes importance in various ways. Special features of this project will be to make good use of Mahaweli waters which flows into the sea. The people who have been dependent on rain water for agriculture could leave a sigh of relief when this project is over.

Nearly 75,000 people live in Kinniya and another 47,000 people in Kantale, whose monthly income is less than Rs. 8,000.

There is also conducive environment for animal husbandry and agriculture in the Kinniya and Kantale areas.In the Deenari area around 1,000 farmer families depend on rain water for agriculture.

A large number of youth in the region will be employed when the project is implemented.

"Poverty is the main reason for all problems. When poverty is eliminated all other problems can be solved easily".

Q: Can you explain the current progress?

A: The project proposals have been sent to the National Planning Department (NPD).

When a project is implemented with the assistance from a foreign Government the NPD which comes under the Finance Ministry would give clearance for the project.

Thereafter it will be sent to the External Resource Department (ERD) who will forward same to the donor country.

Nearly 75 percent of planning process is done now. Steps have been taken to commence the project in a couple of months.