JICA to provide dredging machines

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) on January 16 , signed an agreement for the granting of Grab Hopper Dredger machines.

This support under the Japanese Grant Aid Scheme will strengthen the maintenance dredging capacity of fisheries harbours under purview of the Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation (CFHC), Sri Lanka.

The signing took place at the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development. Dr. Rajitha Senarathna, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, Dr. Damitha De Zoysa, Chairman CFHC, Upali Liyanage, General Manager CFHC, G.P.Abeysekara from GOSL and Chief Representative, Harumi Ao from JICA Sri Lanka office graced this occasion.

JICA had dispatched a study team for conducting a preparatory survey on present situation of maintenance dredging of fisheries harbours all around the country. The preparatory survey team with the support of the officials of the Ceylon Fishery Harbour Corporation (CFHC) found out that the capacity of the existing maintenance dredging fleet is insufficient to cater the required volume of maintenance dredging. Therefore a new dredging machine with annual dredging capacity of 63,000 m3 is proposed to introduce to the existing fleet.

Japan through their Project execution arm of JICA has considered provision of Grab Hopper Dredger Machine designed for the above capacity. JICA is also planning to sign a Grant Aid Agreement for the provision of Grab Hopper Dredger Machines in the near future, after obtaining approval from government of Japan.

With the supply of grab hopper dredger, it would be possible to carry out dredging maintenance in accordance with a proper dredging plan, the accidents caused due to the sedimentation would be avoided and the smooth navigation of fishing boats in the navigation channels and harbours could be secured, which consequently could improve the productivity and profitability of fishing activities and contribute to produce the employment, to earn foreign currency and to supply animal protein for the people .

"This will be another milestone of JICA's continuous support to the Sri Lankan fishery sector and friendship between two countries," Harumi Ao, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office said.