Giant Korean water project for South
 

by Asanga Warnakulasuriya

In the run up to the crucial International Donor Conference hosted by Sri Lanka next week, the country's post tsunami development drive received another fillip in the form of a giant water supply project for the South costing US $ 14.8 million courtesy the Korean Government.

Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera signed the agreement for the second phase of the Greater Galle water supply project with the Korean Ambassador Lim Jae-Hong at the Finance Ministry yesterday.

Dr. Jayasundera said the health and living condition of 160,000 people living in the Greater Galle area will greatly benefit by this project.

"Following the successful completion of the first phase of the implementation of the water supply project at a cost of US $ 33.4 million, funded by the Korean Government, the Pradeshiya Sabhas of Bope, Poddala, Akmeemana, Hikkaduwa and Habaraduwa will be covered by this project," Jayasundera said.

Phase one construction commenced in 2001 focused on several key objectives including building of a salinity barrier across Gin Ganga, storm water transmission and building of ground reservoirs in Hapugala, Mahagoda, Kowlhena and Halloluwagoda has now been completed. In addition, 54km of 446km distribution network was completed while the rest will completed under phase two, Ministry sources said.

Acknowledging the Korean Government's initiative, the Ministry Secretary said the bilateral relationship between the two countries was well established during the last 10 years and the Korean Government had facilitated a wide range of development programs including infrastructure development, construction of roads and etc. Sri Lanka is also maintaining a comprehensive business relationship with the Korean Government, he added.

The Ambassador said the Korean Government maintaining a healthy bilateral relationship has funded many development projects during the past 10 years.