Ten major bridges on national road network rehabilitated with JICA concessionary loan

Thursday, 10 May 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Rehabilitation and reconstruction of 10 major bridges which were in structurally weak condition, have been completed and will be ceremonially vested with the public on 11 May by Highways & Road Development Minister Kabir Hashim.

The main event will be held at the scenic Polwathumodara Bridge in Matara, and will be attended by the Ambassador of Japan in Sri Lanka and Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Sri Lanka Office, and many Ministers and dignitaries from the Government of Sri Lanka.

The bridges are rehabilitated or reconstructed under the Major Bridges Construction Project of the National Road Network, financed through a 12,381 million Japanese yen Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan under Special Terms of Economic Partnership (STEP). The concessionary loan provides a repayment period of 40 years including 10 years’ grace period, at interest rate of 0.2% per annum for civil works, and 0.01% per annum for consultancy services.

The Project is implemented by the Road Development Authority (RDA) under the Ministry of Highways & Road Development. The 10 bridges in the Southern Province comprise the first contract package awarded under the Project in February 2015. The second contract package consisting of 8 bridges in the Northern Province is now in progress and expected to be completed within this year. A third contract package is in preparatory stages.

“We are happy to see the successful completion of these 10 bridges, and the remarkable teamwork and integrity among the Special Project Management Unit of the RDA, the Consultant and the Contractor in this Package which made it possible. We also commend the social responsibility and generosity of all three parties – especially the Contractor, Wakachiku Corporation of Japan – in providing emergency assistance during the 2016 floods, and subsequently providing longer term assistance to the community in rehabilitating affected facilities with their own funds” commented JICA Sri Lanka Office Chief Representative Fusato Tanaka.

All 10 bridges rehabilitated through this contract are Polwathumodara (2 bridges), Goiyapana, Kathaluwa, Polwatta, Wellamadama, Koledanda, Kihimbi Ela, Deinipitiya and Denagama. By using specialised technology and methods, the bridges could be reconstructed with minimum disturbance to road users and nearby communities.

JICA has contributed to reconstruction of many bridges in Sri Lanka, including the Mannar Bridge and Manmunai Bridge through grant assistance. JICA is currently financing the new bridge across the Kelani River at Peliyagoda through a concessionary ODA loan. To support the Road Development Authority in maintaining these critical public assets, JICA provided technical cooperation to establish a specialised Bridge Management and Assessment Unit which is now in operation.