Upper Kotmale hydro power project on schedule

by P. Krishnaswamy

The $ 297 million. Upper Kotmale Hydro-power Project (UKHP) would be completed on schedule in the third quarter of 2011, with ninety-five percent of preparatory work already completed, Project Director Shavindranatha Fernando told the Sunday Observer. The Japanese funded project would add 150 MW power to the national grid easing its current strains on power supply and paving the way for larger development related industrial projects, he said.

The 35 km Talawakelle-Tawalantenne Road, an 80 metre bridge, seven minor bridges and over 200 culverts have been completed. Eighty percent of the present workforce of 2000 represent the local communities, mainly the plantation community, he said.

Upto now 450 houses have been constructed for the displaced families out of the total 495.

About 350 families have already gone into occupation of the houses and the rest are steadily moving into the houses, Fernando said.