World Bank teams to assess NEIAP projects in northeast

[TamilNet, Saturday, 31 May 2003, 17:23 GMT]
Two teams from the World Bank are to conduct field survey tour between 2 June and 6 June in the northeast districts to assess agricultural development and restoration works now being carried out by the North East Irrigated Agricultural Project (NEIAP), NEIAP sources said.

The World Bank funded NEIAP selected villages in each district in the northeast province to implement tank restoration works and other development projects, sources said.

Two World Bank teams would jointly conduct the field survey in Trincomalee district on June 2. The two teams would visit focal villages Illupaikulam and Galmetiyawa in the district, sources said.

On June 3 one team is expected to visit two focal villages, Ambahamam and Olumadu in the Mullaitivu district and the second team will visit Periyakulam and Puthukulam focal villages in the Mannar district.

On June 4 one teams will visit villages of Karainagar north and Irupalai South in the Jaffna district and the second team will visit Mahamailan Kulam and Mara Iluppai in the Vavuniya district.

On June 5 teams will visit Vannerikulam, Anaivilunthan Kulam in Killinochchi district, Madawachchiya and Oluwewa focal villages, NEIAP sources said.

Both teams will attend the second comprehensive project ( midterm) review workshop of the NEIAP on June 6 at Galway Miridiya Lodge, which is to be presided by the North East Provincial Council Chief Secretary Mr.S.Rangarajah, sources said.

This one day workshop will review project development effectiveness, implementation performance and outcomes, said NEPC Chief Secretary Mr.Rangarajah

The review of the progress will focus on four key areas;

1. In-depth analysis of the present status of the project
2. Review of status of legal covenants, agreed actions at the last mission and compliance to social and environmental safeguards, procurement and financial management procedures and norm.
3. Review the status and remedial action taken in respect of the key issues highlighted by the mission
4. Reassess the project design, components implementation arrangements, remaining work program, project costs and budget for the remaining project period, “ said NEPC Chief Secretary in a note to all participants of the workshop, NEIAP sources said.