China Harbour optimistic about Port City approval

27 May 2015 07:00 am - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

By Chandeepa Wettasinghe
The China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) which is constructing the Colombo Port City is extremely confident of receiving government approval to go ahead with the project.

“Yes, we’re very positive of getting government approval,” CHEC Sales and Marketing Chief Liang Thow Ming told Mirror Business.

All infrastructure projects were put on hold and subjected to review when the new government came into power, citing irregularities in funding and procurement. The Port City faced further criticism due to its allegedly unquantified environmental impact. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had said that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was not conducted.

Government officials and engineers who had been involved with the project had confirmed, saying that the Port City construction was based on the EIA conducted for the Colombo South Harbour Development Project.

However, CHEC had adamantly maintained that it had followed every procedure which was requested by the government.

“We can manage the environmental side,” Ming reaffirmed. CHEC’s position is that the Colombo South Harbour poses more of an environmental impact, which was approved by the Asian Development Bank, which therefore would rationalize the development of the Port City. In addition to environmental impacts, complications have arisen in managing sewerage and utilities. Meanwhile, Ming said that several investors have already partnered or expressed interest in the project, and that CHEC continues to canvass for other investors.

Ming has been showcasing Port City’s latest master plan—which is to be presented to the Urban Development Authority—at various events across Colombo.
He had said that there is no concern for territorial integrity, as the government and CHEC will bid for land allotments on a turn-by-turn basis, which would not allow for complete airspace or maritime rights.

The reclamation and initial infrastructure has drawn in an investment of US$ 1.4 billion, while development of residences, retail and office spaces, schools and other structures are expected to draw in another
US$ 13 billion.

The government seems to be moving in the direction of allowing all infrastructure projects to continue, albeit at lower costs or with reduced scope.
“We’re continuing all infrastructure projects, and even some not approved by the Cabinet,” Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake too said this week.
CHEH is a subsidiary of Chinese state-owned China Communication and Construction Company (CCCC).

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.

China Harbour optimistic about Port City approval

Comments - 0

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

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’

Most Viewed in News

Sri Lanka weighs Open Skies amidst plans for national carrier privatization

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

Gota fires back at Cardinal, rebuts allegations

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

MIRROR CRICKET

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Foreign powers intensify surveillance on Presidential elections as strategic interests take centre stage

New uterine loop for monkey birth control

Sajith avoids reception hosted for Iranian President

Do not be afraid to use weapons, Minister Alles tells police

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Dates confirmed for 78th Bradby Shield

SLAS appoints independent committee for investigation

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand