Uncleared side drains create serious health hazard

Storm water drains in Panadura - Kiriberiya Newdawa road has been filled with water during heavy rains experienced at present creating a serious health hazard.

Residents of the area said that the poor maintenance of the road had resulted in this state. They pointed out that the side drains that had not been cleared for a long time and not covered with concrete slabs were now filled with garbage and earth washing down the hills. They said if the drains had been covered with concrete slabs, obstructions caused by earth, sand and garbage could have been prevented.

A resident of Kiriberiya, Sudath Peiris (55) said repairs and maintenance of the road and the side drains had been in a dilapidated state since long due to neglect of maintenance and repairs creating muddy pools in the road and the drains being filled with storm water during heavy rains experienced at present.

“The rain water that flow down the hills have covered the road with earth and sand. Free flow of storm water trough the side drains should have been allowed to prevent any damage to the road. Meanwhile, the side drains filled with storm water have created mosquito breeding grounds and we are living in constant fear of any possible danger of Dengue fever. The side drains are not covered with concrete slabs. The drains are covered with rank vegetation at several locations” he said.

Residents of the area requested the relevant authorities, including the Kalutara Road Development Authority and the Bandaragama Pradeshiya Sabha to focus attention on the sad state of storm water drain in Panadura - Kiriberiya Newdawa road that runs through an area of thick population.