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| Sunday, 28 July 2002 |
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Upper Kotmale project to start next month by INDUNIL THENUWARA The Upper Kotmale hydro power project will get off the ground next month as all concerns related to the issue have been tackled, Minister of Power and Energy Karu Jayasuriya said last week. Addressing the launch of 'Renewable Energy for Rural Economic Development' Minister Jayasuriya said many different views had been raised on the matter. "We looked into all these aspects and addressed all issues and the project is now ready for implementation. Japanese assistance will be utilised on the project," he said. He cited the supply of electricity to the whole country as one of the major goals of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's Government. Electricity, which is a basic human right, is available only to about 55 per cent of the Sri Lankan population at present. The target of the Government is to provide this necessity to 80 per cent of the population within the next five years. Twenty four-hour power supply had been provided to 48,000 households in Jaffna about a week ago. "Our next step would be to ensure that electricity is supplied at cheaper rates. The electricity bills have gone up of late. However, our electricity is not the most expensive in the region; neither are we recording the highest losses. We are trying to rectify the situation and have made certain changes in the Ministry as well as the Ceylon Electricity Board. At the end of the day, we are accountable to the nation. "With the curtailing of the daily power cuts, the stock market started climbing, which shows that there is confidence in the market. Other issues which need to be addressed are wastage and fuel costs," he said. The Minister said that commercial prudence should be employed when deciding which projects are feasible. Solar power projects are being pursued while the private sector is also being encouraged to get involved in power projects on a Build, Operate, Own and Build, Operate, Transfer basis. Wind power is another possible avenue. The government has received over 20 applications from interested parties. "We are now looking at the wind power project in Hambantota. Some quarters were very optimistic about the project saying that it will give cheaper and cleaner power while some voiced reservations that all the birds in the area will be killed. However, so far, only two birds have been killed," he said. "The government has also decided to go for a coal power plant in Trincomalee. With regard to this project, there are fears that the fish will die and that people will get skin rashes. We have to carefully look into these issues before giving the green light for the project," Minister Jayasuriya said. |
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