(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) –Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa today reviewed the progress of the water supply projects implemented in the North Western, Central, Uva and Southern Provinces.
A discussion was convened at Temple Trees on the progress of water supply projects in these provinces, how to implement them expeditiously and the completion of all such projects by 2024.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage, Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrema, pointed out that during the previous government, the Ministry had provided about 150,000 new water connections a year, but under the new government it has been increased it to 400,000 per year and the Ministry hopes to increase the new water connections to 500,000 per year from 2021.
Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrema also stated that in the future, provisions of new water connections will be made systematically and water pipes will not be laid by digging roads, but instead through a tunnel.
The Secretary pointed out that about 40 percent of the money allocated for the laying of pipelines along the roads would be used for compensation and that money could be saved through the use of tunnels to lay pipes.
Joining the discussion, the Chairman of the Water Supply and Drainage Board Nishantha Ranatunga said the monthly income of the Water Supply and Drainage Board is Rs. 28 million at present and it is expected to increase it to Rs. 40 million in future.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa also emphasized that steps will be taken under the new government to provide clean drinking water to all by the year 2024.
Minister of Water Supply and Drainage Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Secretary to the Prime Minister Gamini Senarath, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance SR Attygalle, Secretary to the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama, Water Supply and Drainage Board Chairman Nishantha Ranatunga and a number of government officials were present.
