The Government has allocated Rs.3,720 million in 2008 to improve and maintain the rural road network countrywide under the Maga Neguma programme to achieve socio-economic development, mobility, connectivity and accessibility needs of the people. Acting Minister for Highways and Road Development, T.B. Ekanayake told the Daily News that 1,208 kms of rural roads have been identified for improvement in this year. The development will take place at district level under the Maga Neguma programme. A length of 1,124kms has been proposed for development in 2009 while it will be 4,745 kms in 2010. Each road will be developed by laying concrete. The cost of concreting one kilometre is Rs. 4 million. He said 120 kms have been paved with concrete spending Rs. 377 million by April end.