Sri Lanka to construct integrated water supply system with US loan

US Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank) has authorised a $64.9m 12-year direct loan to Sri Lanka to finance the design and construction of an integrated water supply system by Tetra Tech.

The new Badulla, Haliela and Ella Integrated Water Supply System will integrate new and rehabilitated treatment plants, besides building storage tanks, pumping stations, a new dam and impoundment reservoir.

New and existing water intake structures, nearly 50km of transmission pipeline and more than 100km of distribution pipeline will also be part of the integrated project and be funded by the loan.

Ex-Im Bank chairman and president Fred P Hochberg said that the loan contributes to the quality of life in Sri Lanka while stimulating job creation in the US.

"This project will bring potable water to thousands of those who need it, and that is a success," Hochberg added.

The water supply system will support the Sri Lankan Government’s objective of providing safe drinking water to 85% of the population, to be in line with the United Nations millennium development goals.

Tetra Tech chairman and CEO Dan Batrack said that the first full-scale, design-build water supply project that Ex-Im Bank has financed will help Tetra Tech support the Government of Sri Lanka to offer safe drinking water.

"This transaction supports high-end technical jobs in the United States and allows us to bring our best water services where they are needed most," added Batrack.