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Canberra Today 22°/26° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Dam cost now forecast at $404.7 million

FIGURES released today show that the Enlarged Cotter Dam project has reached a forecast completion cost of $404.7 million including a damage bill of $17 million after the March flood.  

The budget blowout compares to an expected completion cost of $363 million in 2009. However, the good news is that after insurance claims, the damage bill will be down to $7.8million with work beginning two months earlier than expected, commencing on May 5.

“We had estimated that the project would be held up until August, but on the back of some great planning by our construction partners and less than expected damage the delay has been greatly reduced. This combined with over 90 per cent of the required work force having either returned or indicated that they would return to the project means no time will be wasted in getting back to work safely,” ACTEW managing director Mark Sullivan said.

According to ACTEW, inspections after the flood revealed the new dam “held up very well” with very little damage to the structure and some damage done to tower cranes, plant and machinery on top of the wall. Significant damage was caused to the form-work and scaffolding.

The dam’s final structural concrete and commissioning works is expected to be complete by April 2013.

“While also impacted by the recent floods, the good news is that the cost and schedule for the Murrumbidgee to Googong Pipeline project will not be materially impacted and is still estimated to provide a significant $15 million in savings against the original budget and is expected to be completed in July 2012. This saving as well as savings on the Googong Dam Spillway upgrade will offset part of the Enlarged Cotter Dam cost increase,” said Mr Sullivan.

An open day will be held at the Enlarged Cotter Dam site on Saturday May 26. More information visit actew.com.au

 

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