Ussana Water Project : Painful wastage of taxpayers' money

COLOMBO (News 1st) - It has been five years since the Ussana Water Project that constructed in Rajanganaya was completed. It is yet to be vested with the public. The project was planned to be the main supply of water for farmlands in the area. This project was implemented in 2014 by the Ministry of Economic Development under the 'Ýali Pubudamu' programme. It was said that the project would supply water adequately to 750 farmers in the area. Despite the completion of the project residents are disappointed about its standards and lying there to waste without being used. A resident noted that although the sole intention of the programme was to supply farmers with water, not a single drop was supplied. Additionally, it was clearly evident when the pipelines which are recommended to be buried at least three feet from the surface are buried only 1 1/2 feet that the project was unnecessarily hastened and completed without proper standards. The residents were hopeful when the new government came into power hoping that the project would be commissioned but to no avail. A resident noted that two pumps which cost Rs. 4.6mn were installed at the pumping station. The pumps had deteriorated by non-usage over time. He added that the whole project was a fine example of the wastage of taxpayers money.

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