USD 100 million ADB loan for wastewater management in Greater Colombo area

The Sri Lankan government has received a USD 100 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a project to revamp the wastewater management in Greater Colombo area, the government said today. at a cost of US $ 116.63 million.

On a recommendation made by the Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils, the Sri Lankan Cabinet on Wednesday has granted approval to implement the project.

The main objective of this project is to improve the urban environment by rehabilitating the sewerage system and thereby improving the public health of the residents of Greater Colombo area.

The Project is targeting to improve the sewerage infrastructure and management services, which contributes to achieving MDG target 7.

Authorities say while the capital city is rapidly expanding its urban area, the existing public sewerage infrastructure is limited in coverage and old.

Frequent blockages in the system cause flooding in low-lying area and uncontrolled overflow gives serious concerns to environment and public health.

The government sought a US$ 100 million loan from the ADB to upgrade the sewerage infrastructure and signed a loan agreement with the ADB in December last year.