Sri Lanka to improve essential utility services in Western Megapolis

Nov 30, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s cabinet has granted approval to improve new utilities and infrastructure required for the Western region Megapolis. It is expected that there will be an increased demand for essential utility services such as transport, electricity, water, drainage and waste disposal with the implementation of the main plan of the Megapolis project. Accordingly, following actions will be taken to face this challenge, a statement said. Improvements to road system * Extension of Baseline Road to Galle Road. * Extend the Polduwa – Koswatta Road, which is under construction to Kelaniya via Kolonnawa. * Widening the road section of 120 bus route from Pamankada Bridge to W.A. Silva Mawatha. * Construction of a new express transport way from multimodal transport hub in Makumbura to Mahenawatta Science and Technology City. * Construction of new flyovers in Kohuwala junction and Railway crossing near Castle Hospital.

* Construction of multimodal transport hubs in Battaramulla, Katunayake, Kadawatha, Moratuwa, and Panadura and regularizing the bus service reaching the town. * Extension of proposed elevated road from Kelani Bridge to Rajagiriya via Orugodawatta to outer circular highway covering Battaramulla administrative city. The Ministry of Higher Education and Highways has already taken steps to implement some of these activities. Solid Waste Management * Improvement of municipal solid waste disposal yards using sorting or burning technology. Affirmation of required water supply * Development of big reservoirs in Seethawaka Ganga and Wee Oya which are branches of Kelani River to meet the demand. * Use of recycled waste water for non-drinking purposes. * Desalinate of sea water using electricity in off peak hours. Implementation of priority water supply projects in Western Megapolis Area A portion of 97.3% of population has the access to safe drinking water and 57.

5% of it is provided by pipe water. Existing 19 water treatment plants in the area treats about 1,078,520 cubic metres of water daily. It is expected to be increased to 2,200,000 cubic metres in 2030 to the requirement of a population of 8.7 million; hence, new water supply projects should be implemented. Accordingly, the proposal to proceed with the activities of 05 new water supply projects covering the areas of Colombo and suburbs, Mirigama Industrial City, proposed aero city in Mirigama, Divulapitiya, Homagama, Horana, and surroundings, has also been approved by the Cabinet.