The remaining work of the Uma Oya multi-purpose development project, which had been halted, will commence.

The remaining work of the Uma Oya multi-purpose development project, which was scheduled to be finished in 2021, commenced today near the Wellawaya, Buduruwagala tank under the leadership of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha.

The primary objective of this project was to utilize the water resources of Uma Oya for the development of the Uma Oya valley as well as for the development of the Kirindi Oya basin in Wellassa, which suffers from severe water scarcity. The preliminary plan was to collect water in two reservoirs built across Uma Oya and Mathotilla, and then redirect this water through a tunnel to the Wellawaya area.

Under this, it is intended to fulfill the urgent drinking water needs of the people in those areas and also to use the remaining water for agricultural activities.

Additionally, one of the objectives is to provide 120 megawatts annually to the national electricity grid from the hydroelectric power plant built in the underground water tunnel.

After completion of all construction work of this project, approximately 10,000 farming families living in about 6,000 acres of cultivated area within the Thanamalwila Divisional Secretary’s Division will benefit.

Government officials from the area as well as beneficiary residents participated in this occasion.