Introduction
We are excited! We are a small Dutch team and will be part of the Megapolis Project Team. Supporting the work in setting up an Inland Water Transport in PPP from the boundaries to the heart of Colombo.
Why we are excited?
First of all; we are part of the Sri Lanka Megapolis team; that is a great honor and reflects the long relationship and mutual trust between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands. Secondly, in line with Dutch mentality; the final proof is in the eating! The Netherlands government, under the guidance of our ambassador and her great staff, advocated to do the same as we did in the Netherlands; the next step after talking about PPP, is start doing projects; learn by doing.
The Megapolis Project; why get the Netherlands onboard?
The Megapolis Project is both ambitious as well as the right thing to do. Especially for attracting private investment, and more specific, Public Private Partnership (PPP); a vision and an integral approach is one of the most successful ingredients.
This vision will attract (inter)national investors and companies, will raise awareness around the world that something is happening. But it’s bold as well, as many plans rest in the archives of many governments. But the Sri Lanka government did the right thing; start off and proof the world that you not only make a masterplan, but believe in it and set a first step. It’s also bold to invited next to advisors, the Dutch into your project and share success, discussions and setbacks. Nevertheless, again a wise decision. The Netherland had a very intensive cooperation on PPP with France and the UK for many years and without their support and open advice the Netherlands would have never be at the current point of PPP. Trust is built between people and the projects will benefit.
What is the project Waterways about?
There will be new boat services to enhance west-west connectivity as well as to promote eco-tourism during night hours. Colombo has a pretty amazing but underused canal network. This phase of the project seeks to utilize these canals to provide a safe and comfortable mode of transport for the citizens of Colombo – at a cost of USD 125 million.
According to Dr. De Silva, new and unsinkable boats/ferries equipped with air conditioning will provide a safe commuter service between but also this service is expected to promote eco-toursim. special at non-peak hours.
- Wellawatte – Battaramulla (IW1)
- Fort – Union Place (IW2)
- Mattakkuliya – Hanwella Line (IW3)
It is proposed to be launched as an Public-Private partnership (PPP).
Interested?
One of our objectives is to attract attention all over the world and find investors and partners. The project itself is estimated around 125 million US$ and we will be looking for all types of investors and interested parties to join us. The outcome is clear, reduce the commuting time which will benefit the economy and the commuters. The surprise will be that you will travel to a beautiful countryside meeting incredible friendly people which will certainly worthwhile to experience.
More information:
- Official site: https://www.megapolis.gov.lk/news.php
- Article on Transport: http://roar.lk/reports/whats-store-colombo-transport-plan/
- Official Transport Plan: http://www.megapolis.gov.lk/pdf/new_megapolis/Transport-Master-Plan-Web-Version-02.pdf
Source:
originally published in ;https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sri-lanka-megapolis-project-ppp-inland-water-system-van-schoonhoven?trk=v-feed&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_feed%3B%2F8xl3IC1Lxx9r3IgJV0KAg%3D%3D
