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The World Bank yesterday said it has approved US$ 65.33 million funding to improve the dam safety and water resources planning in Sri Lanka.
The total cost for Dam Safety and Water Resources Planning Project in Sri Lanka is US$ 71.66 million, of which the Government of Sri Lanka is contributing US$ 6.33 million and the World Bank is contributing US$ 65.33 million, a press release issued yesterday by the World Bank said.
The World Bank said the 350 medium and large dams in Sri Lanka that provide the critical energy, human and environmental needs of the country are ageing and dam safety has become a critical issue.
The project aims to establish sustainable institutional arrangements for safety management and operations and maintenance of major dams in addition to improving the safety of 32 high risk dams and the operational efficiency of 80 dams. Preparation of a National Water Use Plan is another goal of the project.
World bank Country Director for Sri Lanka, Ms. Naoko Ishii said the challenge for the Project Management Unit and the project implementing agencies now is to strengthen their team effort to bring the project on a fast implementation track and achieve its expected outcomes and development objectives as early as possible.
“The Bank’s designated team for the project will extend their fullest support to the Government’s effort toward this end” she added.
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