DOCSLIB.ORG

Back on the Road Next Month

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Back on the Road Next Month BILLIONS IN LOSSES CUSTOMS FRIED BY PALM OIL IMPORTERS SLPP-SLFP RS. 70.00 PAGES 80 / SECTIONS 7 VOL. 03 – NO. 11 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2020 HIT BY SHORT-CIRCUITING NEW FUEL THE POWER FORMULA ALLIANCE SECTOR? COMING SOON BLUES »SEE PAGE 4 »SEE PAGE 3 »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1 »SEE PAGES 8 & 9 GENERAL PREVENTIVE GUIDELINES For verified information on the coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any of the following authorities Suwasariya Ambulance Service 1999 Health Promotion Bureau Quarantine Unit 0112 112 705 1990 Epidemiology Unit 0112 695 112 Govt. coronavirus hotline 0113071073 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Wash hands with soap for 40-60 Wear a commercially available mask/ Maintain a minimum distance Use gloves when shopping, using Use traditional Sri Lankan greeting Always wear a mask, avoid crowded Hotline 0113456200-4 seconds, or rub hands with alcohol- cloth mask or a surgical mask at all of 1 metre from others, especially public transport, etc. and discard into at all times instead of handshaking, vehicles, maintain distance, and wash Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 based handrub for 20-30 seconds times in public places in public places a lidded bin lined with a bag hugging, and/or kissing hands before and after travelling Email [email protected] RUWANPURA EXPRESSWAY Ministry mulls noble violation? z Maga submits lowest bids for Ruwanpura Expressway z Only entitled to one section under tender conditions BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA expressway. However, according to the bids submitted by other companies expedited, considering the delay faced calculated and then a loan would be the tender conditions, one company are nowhere near as low as the bids by the project during the past few applied from state banks to raise the The Ministry of Highways is likely to seek special permission could bid only for one section of the submitted by Maga Engineering. years. The project would commence necessary funds,” the RDA official said, from the Cabinet to repeal certain tender conditions in order entire expressway project. Hence, prior to seeking approval soon after the contractors are finalised, adding that the project has not been to award the construction of all four sections of Phase I of the Therefore, if the RDA is going from the Cabinet, the Ministry is the source stressed. delayed under the present Government. long-delayed Ruwanpura Expressway to Maga Engineering ahead with awarding tenders, as per planning to negotiate with the other However, as learnt by The Sunday When asked for the reasons behind (Pvt.) Ltd. which submitted the lowest bids. the tender conditions, Maga would companies that have submitted low Morning, the funds for the project Maga’s low rates, the RDA source be shut out of three sections despite bids to see if they could match the have not yet been finalised and the stressed that they have cut down the In fact, Maga had submitted bids Authority (RDA) told The Sunday submitting the lowest bids. prices, the RDA source elaborated. estimates are yet to be calculated after machinery cost and that they already 25% lower than the engineer’s estimate Morning on Friday (11). Therefore, the Government is The source added that the proposals concluding the tender process. possess most of the infrastructure of the project, a highly informed It is learnt that Maga has submitted likely to incur a loss of around Rs. were now being finalised by the “Once the contractor is selected, needed for the project. source at the Road Development bids for all four sections of the 10 billion from the entire project, as Ministry and the process had been the total cost of the project would be Contd. on page 2 SUGAR TAX CUT Prioritising protection Facing unsavoury SL still on allegations z Trade Ministry not referred: Minister MCC list z The Government has been parties alleged that the US Embassy confirms MCC meeting criticised for its inability to Government is fulfilling a need BY LAHIRU POTHMULLA is on the 15th of this month in reduce the market price of sugar of a few businessmen while Washington DC,” US Embassy even though it had cut off the incurring billion-rupee losses Despite reports to the contrary, Spokesperson Nancy VanHorn sugar tax by almost 100%. due to the tax reduction. Sri Lanka remains on the told The Sunday Morning when The Opposition political Contd. on page 2 agenda for this week’s meeting contacted on Friday (11). of the Millennium Challenge However, she added that the Corporation (MCC) Board, The US Embassy could not speculate Sunday Morning learnt. on board decisions when asked Prison land for “Sri Lanka is on the agenda about the likely outcome of the for the upcoming meeting of the meeting. mixed development MCC Board. I believe the meeting Contd. on page 2 A 40-acre plot of land owned by Authority (UDA) for a mixed- NEW MANNING MARKET COMPLEX the Department of Prisons, where development project, according the Welikada Prison Complex is to UDA Director General (DG) All set for tomorrow situated at present, would be taken Prasad Ranaweera. z Shop allocation issue sorted over by the Urban Development Contd. on page 2 Workers donning personal protective equipment (PPE) prior to handling the bodies of the Covid-19 dead in preparation for cremation on Thursday (10) The New Manning Market p.m. tomorrow (14), the Urban RAMBAKAN OYA RESERVE DESTRUCTION PHOTO LALITH PERERA COVID-19 Complex in Oliyamulla, Development Authority (UDA) Peliyagoda is to open for revealed. Probe launched by Ministry wholesale purchasers from 4 Contd. on page 2 The Ministry of Environment falls under the purview of the Special vaccine meeting tomorrow has launched an investigation into Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka A special meeting chaired vaccines that areCAPITAL yet to receive store the new vaccines such as HEIGHTS the alleged deforestation that has (MASL). Yet, we have launched an by State Minister of Covid- approval from the World the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, taken place on the right-side border investigation to find out whether 19 Prevention Dr. Sudarshini Health Organisation (WHO). which is found to be 90% CAPITALRS. 34 MILLION HEIGHTS of the Rambakan Oya Reservoir, land areas belonging to forest Fernandopulle will be held The Sunday Morning learnt effective, as it needs to be RS. 34 MILLION The Sunday Morning learnt. reserves too have been destroyed.” tomorrow (14) with virologists that the country at present refrigerated at a -70 to -80 UPWARDS “The land that has been utilised Contd. on page 2 and other specialists to discuss does not have enough degrees temperature. UPWARDS the latest developments of the infrastructure facilities to Contd. on page 2 PARK AND RIDE CAPITAL HEIGHTS RS. 34 MILLION A green deposit VISIT OUR z Deposit to be charged on UPWARDSWEBSITE Back on the road quarter bottles of booze VISIT OUR CAPITAL HEIGHTS+94 763112233 The Ministry of Environment directed that liquor RS.35SHOW APARTMENT MILLIONWEBSITE UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION companies should charge a deposit of at least Rs. 10 READY FOR INSPECTION UPWARDS for quarter bottles (185 ml) of liquor to encourage +94 763112233 VISIT OUR next month consumers to return the empty bottles and to reduce PROJECT NEARING COMPLETION WEBSITE BY SARAH HANNAN Regulation, Bus Transport Services is planning to travel to the inner environmentalSHOW pollution. APARTMENT and Train Compartments, and Motor sections of Colombo could park Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Minister of VISIT OUR +94 763112233WEBSITE The once piloted and failed Car Industry revealed. their vehicle and then board a Environment Mahinda Amaraweera said: “We have READY FOR INSPECTION SHOW APARTMENT www.capitalheights.lk “Park and Ride” facility is to “The initiative will start from shuttle service from Kottawa proposed that a deposit fee should be introduced for the SHOW APARTMENT +94 763112233 be recommenced from January the Makumbura Multimodal to Colombo,” State Minister 185 ml bottle from liquor companies, as we found that READY FORREADY INSPECTION FOR INSPECTION 2021 onwards, this time from the Transport Hub, where whoever Dilum Amunugama told The the irresponsiblePROJECT disposal ofNEARING such plastic/glass bottles COMPLETION is Makumbura Multimodal Transport is driving their personal vehicle Sunday Morning. contributing towards the increasing amount of waste.” PROJECT NEARINGPROJECT NEARING COMPLETION COMPLETION Hub, the State Ministry of Vehicle on the Southern Expressway and Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning FOCUS/NEWS Sunday, December 13, 2020 BY SARAH HANNAN TREMORS IN DIGANA Geologists and experts in the field are sharing more information about the tremors that occurred in the past after the Victoria Dam was built in 1985. According to the experts, Cause not yet determined hundreds of small tremors had occurred at that time. z Environment Ministry appoints expert committee Due to the lack of technology at the time, no measurements had been taken, which in the Digana area. The most recent once activities had increased, it is advisable to Expert committee appointed Management Centre. The committee will be explains why there is no record of the took place just a week ago, with only one carry out further studies and determine the A special discussion had been held at the headed by GSMB Chairman Anura Walpola, magnitudes of such tremors. It was only of the seismic activities reported below the root cause of these minor tremors. Ministry of Environment on Thursday (10) who will get back with a detailed finding in after 1990 that the necessary instruments reservoir bed. The Earth is made up of several tectonic to discuss the progress in the studies that three weeks,” Dr. Jasinghe noted. In addition had been installed in Colombo, then in Prof. Senaratne explained that these plates, and these plates have a tendency to are being conducted regarding the series to that, the GSMB is also taking steps to Pallekele in the year 2000, and at the seismic activities would not cause an impact ever so slightly move.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Environmental Assessment and Management Framework (EAMF)
    Environmental Assessment & Management Framework - SCDP 33333333Environmental Assessment and Public Disclosure Authorized Management Framework Strategic Cities Development Project (SCDP) Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development January 2016 January, 2016 Page 1 Environmental Assessment & Management Framework - SCDP Table of Contents CHAPTER 1: PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...........................................................................1 1.1 Project concept & objective ....................................................................................... 1 1.2 Project Description ..................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Objective of the Environmental Assessment and Management Framework (EAMF) ........................................................................................................................ 2 CHAPTER 2: POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK .............4 2.1 Overview of Environmental Legislation ................................................................ 4 2.2 Detail Review of Key Environmental and Urban Services Related Legislation 5 2.3 World Bank Safeguard Policies .............................................................................. 16 2.4 World Heritage Convention ................................................................................... 21 CHAPTER 3: DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT AREA ............................................22
    [Show full text]
  • World Bank Document
    PROCUREMENT PLAN (Textual Part) Project information: country]Sri Lanka – Water Resources Management Project-P-166865 Project Implementation agency: Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment Public Disclosure Authorized Date of the Procurement Plan: 24 June, 2019 Period covered by this Procurement Plan: 24 June 2019-31 Dee. 2020 Preamble In accordance with paragraph 5.9 of the “World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” (July 2016) (“Procurement Regulations”) the Bank’s Systematic Tracking and Exchanges in Procurement (STEP) system will be used to prepare, clear and update Procurement Plans and conduct all procurement transactions for the Project. This textual part along with the Procurement Plan tables in STEP constitute the Procurement Plan Public Disclosure Authorized for the Project. The following conditions apply to all procurement activities in the Procurement Plan. The other elements of the Procurement Plan as required under paragraph 4.4 of the Procurement Regulations are set forth in STEP. The Bank’s Standard Procurement Documents: shall be used for all contracts subject to international competitive procurement and those contracts as specified in the Procurement Plan tables in STEP. National Procurement Arrangements: In accordance with the Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (July 2016, revised November 2017) (“Procurement Regulations”), when approaching the national market, as agreed in the Procurement Plan tables in STEP, the country’s own Public Disclosure Authorized procurement procedures may be used. When the Borrower, for the procurement of goods, works and non-consulting services, uses its own national open competitive procurement arrangements as set forth in Sri Lanka’s Procurement Guidelines 2006, such arrangements shall be subject to paragraph 5.4 of the Bank’s Procurement Regulations and the following conditions: 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Project for Formulation of Greater Kandy Urban Plan (Gkup)
    Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development Urban Development Authority Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka PROJECT FOR FORMULATION OF GREATER KANDY URBAN PLAN (GKUP) Final Report Volume 2: Main Text September 2018 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd. NIKKEN SEKKEI Research Institute EI ALMEC Corporation JR 18-095 Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development Urban Development Authority Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka PROJECT FOR FORMULATION OF GREATER KANDY URBAN PLAN (GKUP) Final Report Volume 2: Main Text September 2018 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd. NIKKEN SEKKEI Research Institute ALMEC Corporation Currency Exchange Rate September 2018 LKR 1 : 0.69 Yen USD 1 : 111.40 Yen USD 1 : 160.83 LKR Map of Greater Kandy Area Map of Centre Area of Kandy City THE PROJECT FOR FORMULATION OF GREATER KANDY URBAN PLAN (GKUP) Final Report Volume 2: Main Text Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PART 1: INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................... 1-1 1.1 Background .............................................................................................. 1-1 1.2 Objective and Outputs of the Project ....................................................... 1-2 1.3 Project Area ............................................................................................. 1-3 1.4 Implementation Organization Structure ...................................................
    [Show full text]
  • [email protected] | Web
    No 947, Uduwela, Udugama West, Kandy | Phone: +94 (81) 798 9100 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.w15kandy.lk A world of colonial charm that blends perfectly with its sublime surroundings of rolling tea plantations and emerald green forests. A beautifully restored 10-suite bungalow, dating back to the days of the Raj, sits amidst the lush vegetation. Only 15 minutes from the historic Kandy city centre, the famous Hanthana mountain range is recognized as one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque regions and the panoramic view from our bungalow will invigorate. This heritage residence is reminiscent of a by-gone era, revived to accommodate every whim and fancy of the discerning traveller. ACCOMMODATIONS The main bungalow features 6 exclusive and individually themed suites with 4 more suites being situated in the Stables. All accommodation is split into 3 exclusive categories. Each room has its own unique character and flavor waiting to be discovered and enjoyed by our guests. Bungalow Master Suite Bungalow Suites Plush furniture fittings throughout this 185sq.m suite with a Five 60-90sq.m exquisitely appointed, individually designed super king bed, presidential mattress and walk in bathroom rooms. A unique feature of these rooms is a large enclosed featuring a spacious bathtub and rain shower. This suite private terrace, perfect for sunbathing or even an intimate boasts a large private outdoor terrace suitable for lazing out dinner under the stars. or even to hold a private outdoor event in the crisp mountain surroundings of Hanthana. Stables Suites Four 30sq.m tastefully appointed rooms with island inspired furnishing, standing separated from the bungalow overlooking the breathtaking Hanthana mountain range.
    [Show full text]
  • A Case Study of the Kotmale Dam in Sri Lanka Jagath Manatungea* and Naruhiko Takesadab
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Digital Repository, University of Moratuwa International Journal of Water Resources Development Vol. 29, No. 1, March 2013, 87–100 Long-term perceptions of project-affected persons: a case study of the Kotmale Dam in Sri Lanka Jagath Manatungea* and Naruhiko Takesadab aDepartment of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka; bFaculty of Humanity and Environment, Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan (Received 3 June 2012; final version received 11 June 2012) Many of the negative consequences of dam-related involuntary displacement of affected communities can be overcome by careful planning and by providing resettlers with adequate compensation. In this paper the resettlement scheme of the Kotmale Dam in Sri Lanka is revisited, focusing on resettlers’ positive perceptions. Displaced communities expressed satisfaction when income levels and stability were higher in addition to their having access to land ownership titles, good irrigation infrastructure, water, and more opportunities for their children. However, harsh climate conditions, increased incidence of diseases and human–wildlife conflicts caused much discomfort among resettlers. Diversification away from paddy farming to other agricultural activities and providing legal land titles would have allowed them to gain more from resettlement compensation. Keywords: dam construction; involuntary displacement; livelihood rebuilding; resettlement compensation Introduction Over the decades, there has been growing concern about the negative consequences of the involuntary displacement of rural communities for large-scale infrastructure development (De Wet, 2006; Robinson, 2003). The construction of dams is the most often cited example of development projects that cause forced displacement of communities (McCully, 2001).
    [Show full text]
  • News Letter.Cdr
    Newsletter 2016-2017 IN THIS ISSUE . Director's Message 1 Working towards change together 2 Creating a platform for knowledge building action and influence 3 Contributing towards peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka Women 4 Dwelling in possibility 7 Women as leaders with or without disabilities 8 Women for environment peace and reconciliation 10 Unlocking potentials of Women in Tourism 11 Sharing our Knowledge 12 Sthree: A Women's Initiative 13 My Adventures at WDC: - Reflections of a Volunteer 14 A fitting tribute 15 Kirimetiyawatte – a community energized 16 A partner in our journey 17 Community Based Rehabilitation 18 VTC – Creating a generation of leaders 20 Twinkle-eyed Kaushalya 22 Fathima Sihla – A star in her family 23 Braille – brings sight to the people with low vision and the blind 24 Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over… 25 Graphic Impressions 26 Donors and Partners 27 Director's Message Dear Friends This year has been one of the fastest years for me and I didn't realize it coming to an end. As I reflect back contemplating on writing this message, so many emotions flood back. There have been instances where I was desperate not knowing how to move forward with the burden of not having adequate funding for most of the programs, saddened by many donors changing their priority and moving out of the country due to shrinking space in the country giving us little hope. However we did not falter on our vision and never gave up hope. Opportunities were presented to us through new propositions for funding and we received these opportunities with open arms and grateful hearts.
    [Show full text]
  • World Bank Document
    ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING REPORT Public Disclosure Authorized TRANSITIONAL BUS TERMINAL FACILITY AT BOGAMBARA Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Project Management Unit Strategic Cities Development Project Ministry of Megapolis & Western Development December 2017 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Project Identification 03 2. Project Location 03 3. Project Justification 07 4. Project Description 10 5. Description of the Existing Environment 14 6. Public Consultation 19 7. Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures 21 7a. Screening for Potential Environmental Impacts 21 7b.Environmental Management Plan-Carpark Rooftop 27 8. Cost of Mitigation 53 9. Conclusion and Screening Decision 54 10. EMP Implementation responsibilities and Costs 57 11. Screening Decision Recommendation 57 12. Details of Persons Responsible for the Environmental Screening 58 Annexes 1. Google image of the proposed project area 59 2. Floor Plan of the Transitional Bus Terminal 60 3. Front and side elevation of the proposed Terminal 61 4. Landslide hazard Zones in the project area (NBRO, 2000) 62 5. Summary of Procedure to Obtain Mining License for Borrow Pit Operation 64 6. Summary of Procedure to Obtain Mining License for Quarry Operation 65 SCDP/Urban Upgrading Interventions in Kandy City Page 1 7. Waste Management Best Practices 66 8. Environmental Pollution Control Standard 68 9. Factory Ordinance and ILO Guidelines 75 10. Chance finds procedures 91 11. Terms of Reference for Recruitment of Environmental Safeguard Officer
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Assessment and Management Framework Strategic Cities Development Project (SCDP)
    Environmental Assessment & Management Framework - SCDP 33333333Environmental Assessment and Management Framework Strategic Cities Development Project (SCDP) Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development January 2016 January, 2016 Page 1 Environmental Assessment & Management Framework - SCDP Table of Contents CHAPTER 1: PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...........................................................................1 1.1 Project concept & objective ....................................................................................... 1 1.2 Project Description ..................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Objective of the Environmental Assessment and Management Framework (EAMF) ........................................................................................................................ 2 CHAPTER 2: POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK .............4 2.1 Overview of Environmental Legislation ................................................................ 4 2.2 Detail Review of Key Environmental and Urban Services Related Legislation 5 2.3 World Bank Safeguard Policies .............................................................................. 16 2.4 World Heritage Convention ................................................................................... 21 CHAPTER 3: DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT AREA ............................................22 3.1 Kandy .......................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Projected Economic Growth in North & East Regions Will Be 13 Per Cent
    Published in Canada by The Times of Sri Lanka Vol.9 JUNE 2011 Projected economic growth in North & East regions will be 13 per cent over five years The economy of Sri Lanka’s once war-torn Northern and Eastern provinces are set to grow by around 13 percent per annum from 2011 onwards for the next five years, according to the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). CBSL Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal (inset) made these remarks in delivering the 60th Anniversary Oration of the CBSL a fortnight ago, on the topic of ‘Promoting financial inclusiveness – The experience of the past two years’. “There is a clear drive towards holistic development in the North and East to ensure that people sustain their economic achievements and translate them into a way of life. We expect that the range of investments made in these provinces will result in a growth rate of around 13 percent per annum in these provinces, from 2011 onwards for the next five years,” Cabraal said. According to the Governor, it has been encouraging to see that the Northern Province (NP) had recorded the highest nominal growth rate of 14% in 2009 ahead of all other Provinces although on a low base. The contribution to the country’s GDP by the NP increased to 3.3% in 2009 from 2.8% in 2006. The Eastern Province on the other hand recorded the second-highest nominal growth rate of all provinces, at 14% in 2009 while its contribution to the country’s GDP increased to 5.8% in 2009 from 4.9% in 2006.
    [Show full text]
  • Kandy Transport Improvement Program (Ktip) Final Report
    MINISTRY OF DEFENCE AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT SRI LANKA ­ STRATEGIC CITIES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (SCDP) KANDY TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (KTIP) FINAL REPORT 27th May 2014 Submitted to: Ministry of Defense and Urban Development, Sri Lanka Prepared by Prof. Amal S. Kumarage University of Moratuwa UNI­C0NSULTANCY SERVICES Serving the Nations through Technology Transfer in Architecture, Engineering and IT. Contents Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................... 6 Public Transport Strategy for Kandy ........................................................................................................ 7 Traffic Management Strategy for Kandy .................................................................................................. 9 Overview of Proposed actions for Public Transport and Traffic Management ...................................... 10 1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 12 1.1 Study Team ................................................................................................................................. 13 2 Transport Supply Characteristics ................................................................................................... 13 2.1 Road Network ............................................................................................................................. 13 2.2 Rail Network
    [Show full text]
  • Feasibility Study for Expansion of Victoria Hydropower Station in Sri Lanka
    Ministry of Power and Energy Ceylon Electricity Board Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Feasibility Study for Expansion of Victoria Hydropower Station in Sri Lanka Final Report (Summary) June 2009 Japan International Cooperation Agency Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. Nippon Koei Co., Ltd. PROJECT AREA Location Map Existing Victoria Dam Existing Powerhouse & Switchyard Existing Intake for Expansion Existing Surge Tank Existing Powerhouse Existing Powerhouse Units Expansion Area adjacent to Existing Powerhouse Work Shop Held on February 11, 2009 SUMMARY Feasibility Study for Expansion of Victoria Hydropower Station Table of Contents Conclusions and Recommendations Conclusions.....................................................................................................................1 Recommendations...........................................................................................................7 Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 General Information of Sri Lanka 2.1 Geography ............................................................................................................12 2.2 Climate .................................................................................................................12 2.3 Government ..........................................................................................................12 2.4 Population.............................................................................................................13 2.5 Macro-economy....................................................................................................13
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction
    A Place for Dams in The 21st Century? INTRODUCTION “remarkable feat in the history of mankind to reshape and exploit the resources” was how AChinese President Jiang Zemin described the closure of the Yangtze River in November 1997.1 Similar statements have been made by every major politician in developed and developing countries in the past 60 years. Scientists, economists, artists and naturalists have also been ‘impressed and inspired’ by the human endeavour to ‘exploit’ rivers to produce food and energy.2 Differing Viewpoints Dam construction has raised concerns and sentiments in many countries (see, for example, comments on the Three Gorges Dam, Box 1). The greatest challenge now is to start a genuine and fruitful debate on finding the most suitable ways and means to meet energy needs, water requirements and food production, while conserving biodiversity. Dams have to be seen as a means to an end, rather than an end in themselves. The conservation of natural resources and an improvement in the quality of human life should be at the heart of this issue. The issues and debates over large dams have not changed significantly since the 1940s and 1950s. What has changed is that dam construction has shifted geographically from developed to developing countries. Several developing countries that are now building similar, or even larger, dams than those in the west emphasise the same arguments of the benefits of dams. WWF, in principle, does not favour the construction of any new large dam as they all lead to environmental damage. In the past, WWF has expressed concern over many proposed dams – The large dam Gabcikovo and Hydrovia, for example.
    [Show full text]