26The US$ 513 million Uma Oya multipurpose improvement challenge is poised to be unveiled to the general public by the top of this month.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed Irrigation, Wildlife, and Forest Conservation Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi to expedite the work. Development work on the challenge began in 2011 to boost hydropower capabilities and irrigate round 25,000 acres of paddy lands throughout the South-Japanese area of the central highlands.
Minister Wanniarachchi reviewed the challenge’s progress on Friday on the Irrigation Ministry.
The Minister who outlined the challenge’s mechanics detailed how the water saved within the Puhulpola and Diabara reservoirs can be harnessed to generate hydroelectricity, contributing 120 MW to the nationwide grid. The method entails channelling water by way of a 23-kilometre tunnel to achieve two generators underground.
The water will then be redirected to Alikota Aara, Handapanagala and the Kuda Oya reservoirs, to irrigate about 20,000 acres of outdated and new paddy fields. The irrigation scheme will assist agricultural actions all year long, catering to the Yala and Maha seasons.
The challenge can even handle the urgent subject of consuming water shortage within the Badulla and Moneragala districts. Through the use of the water assets successfully, it seeks to make sure a sustainable water provide for the native communities, she mentioned.
Development work on the Uma Oya Multipurpose challenge commenced in 2011, at an estimated price of US$ 513 million to be financed by way of a mortgage from Iran.
Nonetheless, as a result of financial challenges stemming from sanctions imposed on Iran, the funding for the challenge confronted some uncertainties. Regardless of this, the challenge acquired an preliminary installment of US$ 50 million for it to proceed.
Regardless of quite a few challenges, together with monetary constraints, the Authorities remained dedicated to advancing the challenge. Funds have been allotted from the Treasury for the development work on the Uma Oya multi-purpose challenge to make sure its continuity.
State Minister of Irrigation and Water Provide Shasheendra Rajapaksa, State Minister of Mahaweli Growth Lohan Ratwatte, and Irrigation Ministry Secretary Saman Darshana Pandikorala, have been additionally current.
