Highways Minister Johnston Fernando has instructed the Chairman of the Maga Neguma Construction Equipment Company to purchase the necessary modern equipment to increase asphalt production required for the islandwide road construction projects implemented under the state programme of developing 100,000 kilometres of rural roads across the country.
The Minister was speaking during an inspection tour of the Ganewalpola Front Yard of the Maga Neguma Construction Machinery Company (MNCMC) affiliated with the Road Development Authority (RDA) where the asphalt is currently being produced.
Since a number of road construction projects are being carried out across the country, it is necessary to increase the asphalt production capacity to cater to the requirements.
The Minister added that using the asphalt materials for road construction and maintenance can improve the benefits for all road users and the environment.
The Minister also instructed the Chairman to take immediate measures to repair the dilapidated machine installed at the Ganewalpola front yard which can produce 60 tones of asphalt per hour and also to install a new crusher at the yard.
The Minister also advised officials to repair the vehicles decaying in the yard and deploy them for the transport needs of the yard. The Chairman was instructed to construct new staff quarters and expedite renovations of the existing ones for the welfare of employees.
