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Norwegian expert says Uma Oya project can proceed, but recommends use of special machinery
View(s):A Norwegian expert invited to study the Uma Oya project has recommended that it be continued, but pointed out several shortcomings including the failure to carry out out a proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before the project began. The expert, Bent Aagaard, met President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday and handed over an interim report.
The President’s Media Division (PMD) said that according to the interim report, the water leakage was due to initiating construction in haste. Pointing out the machinery used in the project was not suitable to properly strengthen the tunnel wall and cover it with strong grouting, the report recommends the use of special grout materials and machinery to proceed with construction on the remaining 4 1/2km stretch of the tunnel as a section of it goes under residential areas.
The report observes that the project had been started without conducting a proper feasibility study and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). These shortcomings have caused serious problems, the report notes.
Mr. Aagaard told the President that preliminary studies had not forecast a possibility of large-scale water seepage into the tunnel, the PMD said. He said the contractors had not been prepared for large-scale water ingress in the tunnel. The expert added that a better comprehensive preliminary study could have prevented the water ingress into the tunnel and the attendant water scarcity in the project area.
The Norwegian expert who completed his visit to the Uma Oya Projec site on Friday is expected to submit his final report on August 15, Mahaweli Ministry Secretary Anura Dissanayake said.