About 700 out of 1,000 rural bridges planned for 2021 nearing completion

Construction work on about 700 out of 1,000 rural bridges scheduled to be completed by the end of this year was in progress as per the plans, Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando said yesterday.

Speaking to the media at his Ministry after meeting to review the 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 according to plans despite the effects of the pandemic.

He said 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 the instructions of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and 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.

Minister Fernando instructed the officials of the Highways Ministry, Road Development Authority and State Development and Construction Corporation to pay their utmost attention to complete the work under their purview on schedule.

“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 said.

This project was implemented throughout the country with the target of completing the work of 5,000 bridge project within the next four years. The project will facilitate the daily activities of the rural people, improve their livelihoods and promote the tourism industry.