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| Tuesday, 18 January 2005 |
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by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi An accelerated project to reconstruct and renovate Galle and Kankesanthurai ports damaged by the tsunami will get under way with aid from the Netherlands Government. The proposed project is being implemented on a scheme prepared by Minister of Ports and Aviation Mangala Samaraweera, a senior Ministry official told the Daily News. It has been estimated that the Galle project would cost Rs 1740 million and Kankesanthurai Rs 2300 million. "The request made by the Ministry of Ports and Aviation to the Netherlands Government to assist to renovate Galle and KKS has received immediate and satisfactory response," official added. However, one out of four berthas of the Galle harbour is now operating."Two other berths have been damaged while the remaining berth is occupied by a gas barge." The first vessel after the tsunami entered the Galle port last Friday carrying cement. Officials said the tsunami had caused severe damage to the KKS port."Breakwater and existing piers were severely damaged while the depth of the harbour basin has been drastically reduced in most of the places."he added. Dredging of the basin and repairs to the breakwater and piers has to be done on an urgent basis."It is believed that this breakwater would subject to more damages and destroy due to the on going monsoon season if repair work is delayed which season is expected to be continued until March 2005." Meanwhile, the Diyakovula dredger which has been purchased from Netherlands aid was pushed to the shore by the tsunami."It has been estimated that Rs. 75 million is required to re-float it." Repairs to bridges, roads, warehouses etc construction of damaged buildings, workshops, breakwater and two berths south of the existing port will cost around Rs. 1665 million. |
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