OCH III construction to begin shortly: Minister

13 May 2015 03:39 am - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The work on the third phase of the Outer Circular Highway (OCH III) between Kadawatha and Kerawalapitiya will commence within the next couple of weeks, Highways and Investment Promotion Minister Kabir Hashim said.
Hashim during a recent meeting with a Chinese envoy in Colombo had clarified that the committee appointed by him to negotiate with contractors had proposed changes in scope that could potentially achieve cost savings in the region of Rs.25 billion.
Further to these negotiations, the government has released a part of the mobilization fees.
The discussion between the minister and the ambassador also covered plans to commence work on the Southern Expressway extension.
The minister explained that serious consideration had been given towards proceeding with the project as justification of its cost was important.
As there is a commitment with China already and agreements and contracts have been signed with regard to this project, it was mentioned that the Sri Lankan government wishes to maintain its goodwill.
The minister explained that although the evaluation of the project on a stand-alone basis may question the feasibility, the benefits that could potentially accrue when looked at as an integrated investment with investments already made on the Hambantota Port and a proposed Economic Zone would justify the feasibility to proceed with the Southern Expressway extension.
The minister denied allegations that road-work in the country had been halted, rather he explained that some work had been temporarily paused to revaluate and negotiate in the wider interest of the country.
“All road work has recommenced and is being carried out in a far more planned and systematic manner that has reduced wastage,” he said.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

OCH III construction to begin shortly: Minister

Comments - 0

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

April 15 declared a government holiday

A US “Kaputa”, a Lankan “Nariya” and a Presidential “Feast”

Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

23 year old youth ends up having his testicles removed

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

MIRROR CRICKET

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win

Amir, Wasim return to Pakistan national team

TODAY'S HEADLINES

100 Police personnel trained to target criminals operating on motorbikes

Catholic Church receives full report

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali’s possession of Gota’s Range Rover

We are struggling with severe shortage of staff – Excise Chief

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Security raised for Champions League ties after threat

SLA target four events at Paris Olympic Games

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win