A total of 28 rivers, creeks and waterways will be undergoing dredging works in the first phase of the emergency de-silting programme that has been set up by the Ministry of Waterways and Environment.
60 kilometres will be dredged from the 28 rivers, creeks and waterways.
Minister for Waterways and Environment Dr Mahendra Reddy says this includes 33.5 kilometres in the Northern Division, 9.5 kilometres in the Western Division and 17 kilometres in the Central Division.
Dr Reddy says the contractors have started their work on Phase 1 and hopes that the second phase will commence in the next three months.
He says they came up with the new model of collaboration with the private sector so they can save their budget, save taxpayers money and at the same time get the rivers, creek and waterways cleared up so that water is discharged.
The Minister adds that desilting work is an ongoing activity since the work up the streams is increasing in frequency.
Dr Reddy highlighted that they are now preparing the list of rivers, creek and waterways that will fall in Phase 2 where they will conduct the requirements such as fishing rights waiver, Environmental Impact Assessment and an environmental management plan.
He says the plan will ensure that there is no adverse effect on the environment.
