French agency to finance water treatment plant upgrade in Sri Lanka

The French Development Agency (AFD) has granted a $70m loan to the Government of Sri Lanka for the Ambatale Water Supply System Improvement and Energy Saving Project.

Estimated to cost $100m, the project will involve upgrades for the treatment plant, installation of 14.2km-long water transmission pipelines and construction of a ground reservoir, reported the Sri Lankan Government’s official news portal News.lk.

In addition to AFD’s $70m loan, the project will receive $30m from the Sri Lankan Government.

The Ambatale Water Supply System Improvement and Energy Saving Project is expected to boost the water treatment efficiency of the facility and reduce energy and water losses during treatment and transmission.

Besides offering better-quality water, the project is expected to improve revenues for the board by reducing operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) will work the project under the supervision of the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage.

The project is part of the Greater Colombo Water and Wastewater Management Improvement Investment Programme.

The programme intends to provide uninterrupted water supply and sanitation facilities in the capital city. Asian Development Bank has financed projects under the programme.

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Image: The government and AFB officials have recently signed the loan agreement in Sri Lanka. Photo: courtesy of Sri Lanka Department of Government Information.