Danish funds for two mega projects

Colombo: The Danish Government has provided two interest free loans of Rs. 7.7 billion and Rs. 8.8 billion for the construction of Oluvil Port and the Kelani Right Bank Water Treatment Plant under the Danish Mixed Credit Programme.

The funds are channelled through the Nordea Bank of Denmark. The proposed Oluvil Port will have the capability to cater to large ships with in-built tanks exceeding the eight metre depth level mark.

The main harbour is expected to be spread over 16 hectares and during stage two the depth is to be increased to 11 metres enabling it to cater to large vessels weighing over 16,000 tons. The capacity in the main harbour is to be expanded to 24 hectares during stage two.

The project is implemented by the Sri Lanka Port Authority and construction has commenced.

The proposed Kelani Right Bank Water Treatment Plant will improve the water supply to Colombo City and towns north of Colombo City.

The project is proposed to develop head works of the 40 million gallons per day water treatment plant in Pattiwila in the Gampaha district and serve a population of 350,000 with existing connections experiencing an inadequate water supply.

An additional population of 100,000 will be connected to the system through Towns North Water Distribution Project completed in 2006 and awaiting water supply from this proposed Treatment Plant. The project is implemented by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board.