Norwegian experts to plug the leaks

New team brought down to effect recommended modifications

Norwegian experts have recommended a pre- and post- grouting to rectify and stop water seeping into the underground tunnel of the Uma Oya Multi- Purpose Development Project, said Mahaweli Ministry Secretary Anura Dissanayake yesterday.

He said the Local Expert Committee ( LEC) and the Subject Experts of the Project Management are working with the Contractor’s new technical experts now in Sri Lanka. “The new team was brought down to effect the recommended modifications on grouting -- a fluid form of concrete used to fill gaps -- while the LEC and the Subject Experts of the Project Management ensure the rectifications are done properly,” he said

These decisions were taken following a meeting held at the Presidents office during this week.

President Maithripala Sirisena requested the assistance of a team of Norwegian tunnel experts to identify the causes for the leakage and recommend solutions, after water seeped into Uma Oya Project tunnels, resulting in the draining of groundwater of Bandarawela and nearby areas.

Norwegian experts who arrived in Sri Lanka during the first week of August, submitted their interim report which stated that the initial environmental impact assessment of the project was not properly done. Their detailed report was handed over to the President last week.