LHI awarded 3 ADB funded North East projects

Lanka Hydraulic Institute (LHI) was recently awarded three North East Community Development (NECCDEP) projects which were funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Malith Mendis

They are the study on improving Surface Water Drainage of Potuvil, the Valaichchenai Fishery Harbour Rehabilitation project and the Design and Construction Supervision Consultancy for the improvements of Cod Bay Fishery Harbour.

These projects were taken up for implementation by NECCDEP project funded by ADB.

One of the severely affected coastline areas by the tsunami which hit Sri Lanka in 2004 was Pottuvil.

As an effort of rebuilding Tourism and Fisheries, the reconstruction and improvements of the infrastructure is aimed through this study of the Water Drainage System of the town.

Due to the increased land development, increase population leading to ad-hoc filling in the area and improper drainage system has led to flooding of the area even after a minute rainfall.

"LHI will provide the technical assistance, in to the study of improving the Surface Drainage System and to prepare a master plan of Storm Water Drainage System for Pottuvil town.

This we hope to do through a land survey of the existing drainage system, a linear level differential survey for each road/drainage network and through defining the existing flow patterns, primary, secondary and tertiary outfalls and areas of local inundation for the existing drainage network in the town" said Senior Consultant at LHI L. Talagala.

"We hope to discuss the proposed models and potential solutions to the problem with the Pottuvil Pradeshiya Sabha, the Divisional Secretary, the Pottuvil and Panama Special Management Area Community Coordination Committee and with relevant stakeholders groups the key concerns and impacts with this regard," concluded Talagala.

The Fishing Harbour at Valaichchenai which was opened in 1981 has rarely been in full usage due to the on going conflict. It was later shut down in 1991 by the Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation after which the buildings have stood undamaged but are unusable now.

The feasibility engineering studies to be done by LHI proposes rehabilitation of and repair of the fishery harbour facilities at Valaichchenai.