Aruwakkalu to continue despite concerns

• Cabinet approves PM proposal to continue controversial waste management project by Chinese consortium
• Cabinet suspects Govt. could run into legal issues if project suspended
• Solid waste, ash, construction waste dumping to continue

     

The Cabinet yesterday approved continuing the Aruwakkalu Waste Management Project despite protests from environmentalists and area residents, green-lighting necessary funds to be approved by the Treasury. Co-Cabinet spokesman Ramesh Pathirana told reporters that the Cabinet paper had been presented by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and received Cabinet approval. 

“Even though there are concerns about the project as it was constructed in a different location to the original area that was selected for it, the Cabinet decided it was prudent to continue with it. This is because under the contract, the company can take legal action against the Government if it is suspended,” Pathirana said. 

Under the latest decision by the Cabinet, solid waste, construction waste and ash created as a by-product of power generation can be deposited at the site. The Cabinet also approved continuation of cleaning affluent released from the waste dump. Under the new Cabinet decision, support from the Government will be given until the project is completed. The Aruwakkalu Waste Management Project has been stuck in the midst of controversy for more than a year, and has been plagued with multiple protests by area residents and heavy criticism from environmentalists. 

The Project was initially supported by the World Bank but later the multilateral organisation withdrew from the project, citing irregularities. Subsequently it was awarded to a consortium between China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) and the Southwest Municipal Engineering and Research Institute of China (SEMEDRIC).