JICA Resumes Funding: Rs. 1.44 Bn Water Project Awarded to Joint Venture 📈

• Project Overview: The Cabinet has approved a major contract under Phase II of the Anuradhapura North Water Supply Project. This marks a significant milestone as funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) resumes following a prior suspension. • Contract Details: The contract was awarded to a joint venture between Ceylex Engineering Ltd. and Jayanthi Super Construction Ltd. for JPY 763.75 Mn (approximately Rs. 1.44 Bn). The JV was identified as the lowest responsive bidder. • Regional Impact: The project targets 164 Grama Niladhari Divisions across Padaviya, Kabithigollewa, Horowpathana, Kahatagasdigiliya, Rambawa, and Madawachchiya. It aims to provide safe drinking water to regions currently reliant on unreliable groundwater. • Economic Context: Originally stalled in 2022 due to funding halts, the reinstated project includes price escalation clauses to account for cost changes over the delay period. This infrastructure development is critical for addressing public health risks and water security in the North Central Province.