The Konhaga tank in Katugahagage Colony in Monaragala District, which was rehabilitated after about 50 years was opened for community use by the Minister of Irrigation and Water Resource Management Vijith Vijayamuni Zoyza on Sunday (26th March).
The rehabilitation work of this tank was commenced in September 2016 by the Irrigation Department and it was finished within a few months at a cost of Rs. 54 million.
The total capacity of the tank has been increased by 100 acre feet after rehabilitated. Accordingly, the tank is now capable of providing water to cultivate over 200 acres in the area both in Yala and Maha season. The number of beneficiaries is about 500 families.
Addressing the opening ceremony, the minister expressed his pleasure for being able to fulfill a request made by the people of the area for a long time to repair this tank as they were facing many difficulties when obtaining water for their cultivations.
Although people in very rural areas like in Monaragala District are facing difficulties due to the lack of water, there are many instances where the clean water that can be used for consumption is used for washing animals and vehicles, cleaning toilets and construction work etc, the minister said and added that a program should be introduced to clean sea water and to use it for such non-consumption purposes.
Speaking further about the projects that are being implemented by his ministry through the Irrigation Department and other institutions in Monaragala District, the minister added that about 100 small and medium tanks are expected to be rehabilitated and reconstructed. Rehabilitation work of 35 tanks has already been commenced and 17 out of them are finished now.
Minister Zoysa, who joined an observation visit with a group of journalists, also visited several irrigation projects being implemented and successfully completed by the Department of Irrigation in the district such as Kahatagaspitiya tank, Madiththawa tank, Mallipotha tank, and the Morana Reservoir project.
Addressing media during the observation visit, minister said that, his ministry has carried out a large number of development projects aiming many irrigation systems in Monaragala District, where many people depend on agriculture, and those initiatives will further be continued for the betterment of the people despite of their political situation. He also added that the present government of President Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickremeisnghe always dedicates to facilitate the people in spite of their nationality, religion, or position.
