Beira to be cleaned within three years

The Megapolis Ministry has called for EOIs (expression of interest) from private firms to begin an inland transport service linking the Beira lake canal network.

Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said they have signed agreements with the Singapore Trade Ministry to clean up the entire network within three years.

"We have not selected any private company so far, but we have begun the process," the minister said. The Ministry is currently engaged in a feasibility study and the technical know-how will be provided by Thamasek, the Singaporean company which was in charge of cleaning up the Singapore river and the Kallan river.

An action plan has already been prepared, the Minister said, adding that the pollutant sources which cause the unbearable stench has been identified.

"Lee Kuan Yew once declared that one day we could all swim through the Singapore river, and it came true in ten years, but the Beira will be cleaned in three years," the Minister said. - MF