Moragahakanda project to begin next year

Uditha Kumarasinghe and Manjula Fernando

COLOMBO: The Government will commence construction work on the mega irrigation scheme, Moragahakanda-Kalu Ganga Reservoir Project next year. This is the last major multi-purpose reservoir project to be implemented under the Mahaweli development scheme.

The project has been estimated to cost Rs.38,500 million. It will be built over five years from 2008 to 2012. The Government has allocated Rs. 500 million to commence the initial construction of the project next year, Cabinet Spokesman

Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa told the weekly Cabinet press briefing yesterday. According to the Minister, the project will benefit to 86,000 hectares of lands under the purview of nine Mahaweli systems. Once the project is completed, it will help increase the annual paddy production up to 109,000 Metric tons.

Glamaya International of Germany has completed the feasibility study on this project during the period 2000 to 2004. The feasibility study has proved that the project is technically and economically viable, he said.

The Cabinet has approved the Cabinet memorandum submitted by Agriculture, Irrigation and Mahaweli Development Minister Maitripala Sirisena to commence the construction work on this project.

During the feasibility study, the Kalu Ganga reservoir project was incorporated for combined operation with Moragahakanda reservoir for the added benefit of regulating a large volume of Mahaweli waters, still unused.

The Moragahakanda Reservoir is located across Amban Ganga, the main tributary of Mahaweli River about 2 Km upstream of the ancient Elehara Anicut. The Kalu Ganga Reservoir is across another adjoining tributary at Pallegama in Matale district.

The project components include the main dams, a second Bowatenna tunnel, power house transfer canal and a link canal systems for augmenting and supplies of irrigation water.

The project will generate hydropower and provide water facilities for domestic and industrial purposes. The project also includes the construction of access roads, resettlement of displaced families and energy conservation, the Minister added.