Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2017-07-18 |
Adoption of expeditious remedial measures to resolve the issues associated with the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Scheme - The Cabinet at its meeting held on 2017‑06‑27 appointed a Ministerial Sub‑Committee under the Chairmanship of Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development and the State Minister of Mahaweli Development to examine and submit a Report to the Cabinet on the difficulties encountered by the residents of the area as a result of the construction of tunnels of the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Scheme. Accordingly, the proposal made by Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development and the State Minister of Mahaweli Development, to implement the following recommendations expeditiously to provide relief for the difficulties faced by the residents of the area, as a result of the construction of tunnels of the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Scheme, subsequent to a visit to the relevant area and discussions had with the relevant parties, was approved by the Cabinet: * Having made a comprehensive study, to construct six (06) large deep wells associated with the suitable locations. * Implement a special programme to provide water tanks within the next two (02) weeks, to family units, if any, which have not been provided with water tanks so far; * Release twenty (20) tractor bowsers in the possession of the Ministry of Home Affairs, to the District Secretary, Badulla expeditiously, for further strengthening of the water distribution process; * Expedite the process of the payment of compensation for the damaged properties. * Establishment of a special unit by the National Buildings Research Institute for a more efficient service. * Release of a financial provision of Rs.100 million expeditiously to the Provincial Council for the rehabilitation of the Rural Road Network of the affected areas. * Strengthen the 'Secretariat for Relief to Persons' already established to ensure that the relief activities are efficient. * Review of the progress of the relief measures once in two weeks or monthly. * Allocation of funds necessary for expediting the construction work of the proposed Bandarawela Multi Water Scheme from the Budget 2018. * Release provision of Rs.100 million for the restoration of the affected small reservoirs. * Hand over of the possession of the lands identified to be re‑settled expeditiously to the Divisional Secretary, Bandarawela. * Provide the necessary additional financial provision to renovate the affected schools expeditiously and put them in order. * Provide a 2 year relief period for the affected families for the repayment of installments of housing and cultivation loans obtained by them. * Implement a special alternative livelihood development plan expeditiously in the affected areas. * Action to be taken by the Company in Iran to close the water spill in the tunnel. * Future drilling activities of the project to be considered only on the recommendations of the International Experts and on the recommendations made by a Committee of Local Experts. |
