700 of 1000 rural bridges to be completed by the end of this year : Johnston

By Yohan Perera   

Work on 700 of 1000 rural bridges to be completed by the end of this year despite the pandemic, Chief Government Whip Highways Minister Johnston Fernando said yesterday.  

Speaking to media after a meeting to review progress of constructing 5,000 rural bridges as per President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour, the minister said that the work had been in progress as per the original plans despite the effects of the pandemic.  

He said the construction of 1,000 bridges in rural areas would be completed by the end of this year in line with the government’s plans to eradicate rural poverty by increasing efficiency and connectivity of villages to the main cities. “The work commenced as per instructions given by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa under the supervision of Basil Rajapaksa, Head of the Presidential Special Task Force on Economic Renewal and Poverty Alleviation would continue in all electorates of the country. The Minister instructed officials of the Highways Ministry, Road Development Authority and State Development and Construction Corporation to pay their utmost attention to complete work under their purview on schedule,” he said.  

“The new bridges will replace the dilapidated makeshift bridges in rural areas which are unstable. These low cost concrete bridges will be an alternative to the makeshift wooden bridges. With the implementation of this project, the main road network will be connected to the rural roads facilitating the day-to-day activities of the rural people. Their livelihoods will be improved while promoting the Tourism industry as well,” the minister added.  
This project was implemented throughout the country with the target of completing the work of 5,000 bridge projects within the next four years. The project will facilitate daily activities of rural people, improve their livelihoods and promote the tourism industry according to the ministry of Highways.