Assessments carried out since the appointment of Maunsell Aecom as design consultant in February have pointed to the need for further field surveys and studies to develop the detailed design. "The original budget allocation under the design consultant's contract for these cost items is now considered to be grossly insufficient with a fund shortage of about $6.4m,"says an ADB report. "Though the cost increase is significant, these surveys and studies are essential for preparing an engineering design with due consideration to economy, effectiveness, constructability, functionality, ease in operation and maintenance, and sustainability of the ensuing project."

ADB reports that the design consultant has been producing deliverables in a timely manner. Checking engineers are expected to be appointed in January.