52.1 m euro assistance from Netherlands for construction of rural bridges

Finance and Economic Affairs Ministry Secretary S R Attygalle

The Rabobank of Netherlands has agreed to provide 52.1 million euro financial assistance to construct approximately 250 steel bridges island wide especially in the rural areas. 

Finance and Economic Affairs Ministry Secretary S R Attygalle signed this Credit Facility Agreement yesterday at the Ministry of Finance.

The Government has accorded high priority for connectivity improvement within the country, with a view to providing full benefits to the remote villages from mainstream development activities in the country. Accordingly, the Government is planning to construct 4000 bridges in rural areas to establish connectivity for transportation.

A large number of lagging villages will be connected with transport facilities through this project, which will in turn facilitate easy access to market, education and healthcare facilities to villagers. This project will be implemented by the Ministry of Provincial Councils, Local Governments and Sports.