Govt. appoints Singaporean company Surbana Jurong to design H’tota Master plan

By Chathuri Dissanayake

Government this week decided to engage Singapore-based company Surbana Jurong Ltd. to draw up a regional structure plan for the Greater Hambantota area at a cost of close to $1 million, Cabinet Spokesperson Gayantha Karunatilake said yesterday. 

The Government-owned consultancy company focusing on infrastructure and urban development has already developed master plans for both Western Megapolis region and Trincomalee. Further, both part I and II of the Chinese Government-funded Special Economic Zone to be managed by the China Harbour Engineering Corporation was designed by the same company. 

Cabinet was advised by the Minister of Youth Affairs, Project Management and Southern Development Sagala Ratnayake that it was best to award the consultant to avoid duplication and errors. 

The company will be responsible for developing the Greater Hambantota Regional Structure Plan, covering key growth areas of the Hambantota Urban Council, Hambantota Pradeshiya Sabha, Lunugamwehera, Tissamaharama and a part of Monaragala covering land area of 1130 sq. km. 

A further detailed master plan will be developed for the key growth centres covering areas of close to 500 sq. km.  The requirements of the company also include preparation of urban design proposals and urban design guidelines for 100 to 200 ha for start-up development, Daily FT learnt. 

The Cabinet also gave approval to appoint a project steering committee with representatives from the Urban Development Authority, Central Environmental Authority, Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), National Physical Planning Department (NPPD), and subject ministry to oversee the planning process and provide strategic direction for the project, the paper learned. 

To support the process, the Cabinet has given the green light to set up a project management unit in the UDA with a project office set up in Hambantota.