US$ 165mn water supply contract awarded to Israeli- Swiss JV

The government this week decided to award US$ 162.66 million Eppawala–Giribawa water supply contract to a joint venture (JV) formed by Israel-based LR Group and Swiss-based SBI International Holding.

Minister of Water Supply, Vasudeva Nanayakkara on Monday sought the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers to award the contract to implement the water scheme to the JV, based on the recommendations of the Standing Cabinet Appointed Negotiating Committee.

The Government Information Department noted that Eppawala – Giribawa Water Supply Scheme is a component of the Eppawala, Rajanganaya, Nochchiyagama and Giribawa combined water supply project. 

The project was expected to benefit 267,327 population in the area, while providing 75,000 new water connections.  
Citing high costs submitted by a Swiss firm, the Cabinet of Ministers on 30th November last year, decided to  implement the the Eppawala, Rajanganaya, Nochchiyagama and Giribawa water supply project with local funds in line with the medium term budgetary framework pursuant to the plans prepared by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board revising the scope of the project, according to the Cabinet Office. However, the Government Information Department yesterday stated that only Rajanganaya– Nochchiyagama Project Component would be implemented with local funds.