Addressing a special meeting held at the Kandy District Secretariat on Friday (04), the additional secretary said the Strategic Development Plan together with a Transport Improvement Plan to overcome traffic issues in Kandy city were identified as priority needs under this project.

He said that the World Bank had agreed to provide 100 million US dollars for the Kandy City Development project.  Kandy city region urban interventions would support priority improvements to relieve traffic congestion and upgrade municipal services to enhance livability and to sustain the world heritage city and its agglomeration areas. This project includes urban services improvements and public urban spaces enhancements; and institutional strengthening and capacity building.

Three major roads in the Kandy District would be developed under this project. They are Getambe Katugastota route via Gohagoda, Katugastota- Medawela Road, and Dharmashoka Mawatha. Lands were being acquired for the road development projects, the additional secretary sad adding that they would be demarcated, valued and their owners would be duly compensated. The Survey Department of Sri Lanka and the Valuation Department were engaged in the process.

Kandy not only had historical significance but also rich cultural and heritage value that needs to be protected and restored. While improving urban services and public spaces, the project will also focus on strengthening institutional capacities and work closely with partners to ensure a sustainable urban development process.

Kandy Mayor Mahendra Ratwatte, Kandy District Secretary H.M.Gamini Seneviratne, representatives of the World Bank and a large number of government departments were present at the special meeting. (HC/TA_dmu_kandy)

Special Reporter