what another one in difficulties -is there no end to the ineptnessthat must be involved in getting this stuf done properly - the cost increase -oh dear thats something new -a country trying to feed its few must coem up with more money -perhaps some real estate might have to be "traded in' to cover commitements.
watch them "cut snakes will appear friendly to how they blame everybody else except their own ability to "be real"
defining "being real" as dealing with things as they are -and not blaming everybody except yopur own ability to come to terms with the "way things are"
Artificial Reef set to sink
N.V. Ravindranathan NairFirst Published : 24 Feb 2009 01:22:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 24 Feb 2009 02:54:12 PM ISTThe Government’s usual apathy in executing a project within a stipulated time frame and its dilly-dallying on taking decisions may cost Kovalam, the internationally-acclaimed tourist centre, its Multi-purpose Reef being prepared by the ASR Ltd, a New Zealand-based Marine Consulting and Engineering Company.
Though the artificial reef is planned to nurture the beach, it has the potential to benefit ecology and tourism. The concept had the support of the people’s representatives, local self-governments, residents, community organisations, business groups and the scientific community. Though, almost a year has passed since the contract was signed and the machinery and the construction team from New Zealand has arrived, the Government has not released any amount so far.
Joseph Mathew, director of ASR Ltd, said that while the sea wall cannot effectively prevent sea erosion, the artificial reefs can do the job better, apart from nurturing the beach. He pointed out that over 400 km of the sea coast of Kerala was protected by sea walls. But it has been causing destruction to the remaining beaches of the State. He said the State could have nurtured beaches if it had built reefs, instead of opting for sea walls. The reefs would also provide ideal conditions for sea surfing.
He said that if we provide ideal conditions for sea surfing, at least 50,000 foreign tourists could be attracted to Kovalam a year.
The artificial reef will have a length of 110 m, breadth of 35 m and a volume of 4,300 cubic metres. The reef will produce a 100-m long surfing ride.
The Kovalam reef is to be constructed using large sand-filled mega containers made from an extremely durable geo-textile material. It will also provide a natural habitat for marine organisms.
It was on March 3, 2008 that the Tourism Department of the State Government had signed a contract with the ASR Ltd for the setting up of the Multi-purpose Reef at Kovalam. The project was to be completed within 10 months from the date of site handover. The project report was submitted to the Tourism Department in early July 2008. The environmental committee and the technical committee approved the technical study. But the matter has been pending with the Tourism Department since September 2008.
Joseph Mathew said that they had brought the reef construction equipment, barge and boats from Mumbai. A 12-member construction team from New Zealand also had arrived by mid-December. Though the Tourism Department had to release almost half of the project cost of Rs 7.8 crore as per the contract, till now it has not released any amount.
The contractors had been relying on the assurance given by the Tourism Secretary and Director for importing the geo-textile and other materials required for the project. They have already spent Rs 4 crore.
The Government had given administrative sanction for only Rs 4 crore. But as per the revised estimate, the project cost has jumped to Rs 7.8 crore. Joseph Mathew said that the state-level empowered committee (SLEC) chaired by the Chief Secretary also had approved the project. He said as the Government was not honouring the contract, his company had asked him to stop the work. Any further delay in releasing the amount would force them to give up the project, he added.
ravindranathannair@epmltd.com