Upper Kotmale hydro power plant nears completion

by Mohammed NAALIR

The construction work of Upper Kotmale Hydro Power Plant commenced in 2006 is nearing completion shortly, said a Ministry officialThe Minister said that on completion of the project 150 MW electricity can be added to the national grid. The project was undertaken in five stages. Under the first phase primary civil works are being undertaken and 94 percent has been completed and 91 percent of civil works have been completed under the second phase.

A water mechanical system was installed under the third phase and 99 percent work has been completed. Under the fourth phase electricity generators were installed and 86 percent work is over. Under the fifth phase access roads are being constructed and 84 percent work is over at present, according to the sources.

The sources said that the reservoir conservation project was inaugurated in 2007 parallel to Upper Kotmale Hydro Power project to accommodate more rainwater in reservoirs and remove mud from the river. This project is successfully progressing, according to the Upper Kotmale hydro power project office.Construction of side wall of the reservoir, installing parts to turbines and the installation of ancilliary wires for the 220,000 volt high tension system are now under-way. The Japan Bank for International Co-operation has provided Japanese Yen 37,817 million for this project, while the Ceylon Electricity Board funding Rs. 8,548 million for the construction of the entire project sources added.