Greater Colombo water project to benefit 150,000

The Greater Colombo Water Supply Rehabilitation project implemented at a cost of Rs 4,785 million by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board will provide safe drinking water and sanitation facilities to 150,000 people, said Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at a progress review meeting held at the ministry office in Pelawatte, Battaramulla.

The minister said this project will bring direct and indirect benefits to residents in Colombo, Kolonnawa, Kotikawatte, Mulleriyawa and Gothatuwa areas.

The minister said the new 38,000 cubic metre capacity water tower built at Elihouse will help overcome problems encountered by the Old Water Tower and eliminate water wastage.

He said people in higher elevations too would receive an uninterrupted water supply service. The water tower is located at a higher elevation.

The new 38,000 cubic metre water tank coming up at Maligakanda would stand by to provide un-interrupted water supplies to consumers in Colombo in the event of any breakdown. Relaying of water mains to a distance of 43 km is underway to augment supplies.

The relaying of new 1,200 mm pipes from Ambatale will cater to the demand in the Kotikawatte-Mulleriyawa area for the next 15 to 20 years. This pipe network will be later extended to Colombo, he said.

"As a sub project nearly 1,000 water connections will be given to low income group consumers. A new office complex is also coming up at Maligakanda to house the Maligakanda sewerage unit and the CMC maintenance unit," the minister said.