Govt to examine three options to fill resource gap

The government would examine three alternative options to mobilise the resource gap of around Tk 30 billion (3,000 crore) for the construction of proposed Padma Bridge, reports UNB.brThe options are imposing levy and surcharge like the one government had imposed to mobilise fund for Jamuna Bridge, forming the bridge a company to off load shares, and public finance through Annual Development Programme (ADP).brFinance Adviser Mirza Azizul Islam spoke of the potential sources of fund as the issue of financing Padma Bridge construction was discussed at an inter-ministerial meeting at the Planning Ministry Sunday.brCommunications Adviser Golam Quader and senior officials from the ministries concerned were present at the meeting.brWe received three proposals as the source of fund for meeting a resource gap of Tk 30 billion, the finance adviser told reporters after the meeting.brThe 5.4-km bridge at Mawa-Jajira point would require an estimated cost of Tk 120 billion (equivalent to US$1.8 billion). brOf the total expenditure, donors would provide US$1.15 billion -- ADB $350 million, World Bank $300 million, Islamic Development Bank (IDB) $300 million and JBIC $200 million.brThe government was also expecting to mobilise Tk 3.0 billion through securitisation of future receivables of the Jamuna Bridge and another Tk 6.0 billion from other sources.brCommunications Ministry officials said construction of the bridge was expected to start at the last part of next year and would finish by 2015.