ADB funds reconstruction of bridges in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Saturday, 19 April 2008, 17:07 GMT]
Asian Development Bank (ADB) has allocated Rs.325m to reconstruct Ponnaalai Bridge that connects Kaarainakar in the islets and Jaffna peninsula, and initial reconstruction work is already in progress, Jaffna Government Agent (GA), K. Ganesh said. ADB has also consented to fund building the Vallai Bridge between Vadamaraadchi and Jaffna that had been destroyed in Sri Lanka Army (SLA) offensive, Jaffna Secretariat sources said.

Though a large number of residents had left Kaarainakar area due to SLA offensives in 1990, considerable number of them has gradually returned back to their homes.

9,329 persons of 3,083 families now live in Kaarainakar Divisional Secretariat region while many who still remain elsewhere regularly come to Kaarainakar to inspect and maintain their properties and houses.

The Ponnaalai Bridge which had not seen maintenance during the last 30 years, serves no purpose especially during rainy season when sea water engulfs it from both sides causing hardships for people.

Accidents have taken place on Ponnaalai Bridge injuring passengers and damaging vehicles.

A part of the Vallai Bridge that had been blown in a bomb blast has already been reconstructed and ADB has agreed to rebuild the rest of the bridge, the GA said.

Kaithadi Bridge, Va’n’nathi Bridge and Naavatkuzhi Bridge in Thenmaraadchi which were destroyed during SLA offensives had been already rebuilt.

However, civil society leaders fear if the development projects planned to be implemented with ADB assistance will be able to proceed due to the prevailing security situation in the peninsula.