USAID Completes State-of-the-art Bridge over Arugam Bay

Colombo, 02 July, (Asiantribune.com): The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) today marked the completion of its flagship tsunami reconstruction project A?a??a?? the new bridge across Arugam Bay A?a??a?? in the presence of President Mahinda Rajapakse.

The $10 million Bridge is a gift from the American people to the people of Sri Lanka, and will replace the original bridge that was destroyed by the 2004 tsunami. The state-of-the-art bridge has been constructed by USAID in partnership with the Road Development Authority under the aegis of the Ministry of Highways.: Minister of Plan Implementation P. Dayaratne; U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Evan Feigenbaum; U.S. ChargA?A? dA?a??a??Affairs James R. Moore; President Mahinda Rajapaksa; Chief Minister of the Eastern Provincial Council Sivanasathurai Chandrakanthan; U.S. Agency for International Development Director Rebecca Cohn.

While expressing gratitude to the US government President Rajapaksa pointed out that unity was essential in order to obtain the support of the international community and called upon everyone to set aside differences and join the common cause of ridding the country of terrorism and developing those areas that had already been liberated from the clutches of terrorists.

“The endeavour and commitment of the government is to ensure the victory of the people amidst any challenge,” said President Rajapaksa addressing the gathering.

“The government has initiated massive development programmes while liberating people from the clutches of terrorists and this development drive cannot be abandoned despite many conspiracies including attacks on journalists,” President added.

He said the Arugam Bay bridge is was milestone of the Nagenahira Navodaya (Eastern Awakening) development programme and this bridge brings many benefits to the communities engaged in agriculture, fisheries and other industries.

Speaking further President said that despite the difficulties confronted along the way, the Government was determined to continue the efforts until the ultimate goal is achieved. Arugam Bay Bridge

The US Embassy press release reveal that the design is a combination of steel and concrete, which made the bridge less expensive, faster to build, and more durable. This technology is often used in the United States, but has not previously been used in Sri Lanka. A?a??A?For decades to come, this bridge over Arugam Bay will symbolize the commitment of the American people to help Sri Lanka rebuild and grow economically after the tsunami,A?a??A? U.S. Charge dA?a??a?? Affairs James R. Moore said at the opening ceremony. A?a??A?It will bear witness to our support for stability, democratic governance, economic growth and development in Sri LankaA?a??a??s Eastern Province.A?a??A?

USAID Mission Director Rebecca Cohn highlighted the community involvement in completing this project in her opening remarks, explaining that approximately 80% of the workforce was recruited from the local communities of Drug delivery allopurinol Order serpina blood Pottuvil, Arugam Bay and Panama, giving local citizens direct economic benefits from this project.

In addition, numerous meetings with the people and community leaders in Pottuvil and Ulla were organized to discuss the bridge construction. A?a??A?We are proud of the level of community involvement, which showed all of us that by working together, we could complete this very ambitious project,A?a??A? Ms Cohn said. She also expressed hope that the new bridge will help boost the local economy by providing easier access for tourists to the 64 hotels in the Arugam Bay area.

– Asian Tribune –

source:
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/12022