Uma Oya project affectees to be compensated before Sep. 15

The ministerial subcommittee appointed by the Cabinet to review the Uma Oya multi-purpose project plan has instructed the relevant officials to conclude the payment of compensation to the people affected project before September 15.

The valuation officers had notified that steps will be taken to conclude the valuation process by August 01. The government has already allocated Rs 300 million to District Secretariats for the payment of compensation.

The ministerial subcommittee convened at the Mahaweli Ministry today (13) for discussions regarding the Uma Oya Multi-Purpose Development Project (UOMDP) which has affected people in several areas.

Ministers Mahinda Amaraweera, Vijith VIjayamuni Soyza, Dilan Perera, Lakshman Seneviratne and Uva Province Chief Minister Chamara Sampath Dasanayake were present during the discussion which was also attended by other officials.

Amaraweera had stated that a decision has been taken to take over 50 acres of land in Craigwatta within the next two weeks and resettle the people.

He said that the assistance of security forces personnel will be sought for this process in addition to officials already engaged in duties and warned that disciplinary action will be taken against those who sabotage these activities.

Following are the decisions taken, time frame and responsibilities.

01. The relevant Divisional Secretariat will handle the payment of compensation. To expedite this process initially a provision of 300 million rupees will be released to the District Secretary.

Time Frame – Before 2017—30
Responsibility – District Secretary, Badulla / Head, Jana Sahana Secretariat, Project Director, Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project

02. Releasing of funds upto a maximum of Rs 100 million for renovation of six small tanks damaged or destroyed due to the Project before the next rainy season.

Time Frame– release provisions before 20. 07. 2017 and complete renovations before 30. 10. 2017
Responsibility – General Secretary, Uva Province

03. Build six large scale tubewells after proper studies related to the proper places. These are in addition to the utilization of existing water recourses, to face upcoming draughts.

Time Frame – 31. 08. 2017
Responsibility – Water Resource Board

04. Provide water tanks to all families which haven’t been provided with water tanks so far.

Time Frame – before 30. 07. 2017
Responsibility – Chief, Public Relief Secretariat

05. Complete the water projects and provide water without any charge

Time Frame – before 15. 08. 2017
Responsibility – Water Supply and Drainage Board

06. Provide 10 tractor bowsers in addition to the water bowsers which have been provides so far.

Time Frame – before 15. 07. 2017
Responsibility – Ministry of Indigenous Affairs

07. Release the Creg Estate land, already identified to be used for resettlement.

Time Frame – 15. 07. 2017
Responsibility – Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation / District Secretary, Badulla

08. Rapidly complete estimate of compensation for the damaged houses

Time Frame – 17. 08. 2017
Responsibility – Chief Estimator

09. Provide special provisions of Rs. 100 millions to Uva Provincial Council to rehabilitate damaged rural roads and complete all renovations before rainy season

Time Frame – allocate grant before 20. 07. 2017 and complete renovations before 30. 11. 2017
Responsibility – National Budget Department, General Secretary Uva Province / Provincial Road Authority

10. Renovate 18 damaged schools

Time Frame– before 30. 11. 2017
Responsibility – General Secretary, Uva Province/Provincial Education Secretary, Uva Province

11. Grant financial provisions to initiate water scheme in Visal Bandarawela

Time Frame – 2018 finance year
Responsibility – National Budget Department / Water Supply and Drainage Board

12. Give two year relief period to the victims for repayment of installments of their housing loans and agricultural loans

Time Frame – As soon as possible
Responsibility – Finance Ministry

13. Build temporary houses on the agreement of the victim families till the permanent houses to be built in Creg Estate which has been recognized for resettlement.

Time Frame – As soon as possible
Responsibility – Divisional Secretary, Bandarawela

14. Strengthen the Public Relief Secretariat to make the relief activities in Badulla and Moneragala Districts more efficient

Time Frame – before 30. 08. 2017
Responsibility – Secretary to the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment, Management Services Department