Human excreta from Monaragala town toilets end in Hulanda Oya

MOH office blames Pradeshiya Sabha for neglecting a clear responsibility

Health authorities in the Monaragala District are perturbed over the flow of human excreta in Monaragala town into the Hulanda Oya through storm water drains that has created a serious health hazard affecting a large population.

Officers of the Monaragala Pradeshiya Sabha who launched a dengue prevention programme were clearing the storm water drains when they across toilet outlets in hotels and business establishments connected to storm water drains. The pointed out that the water carrying human waste flowed into the Hulanda Oya used by thousands of people in the district.

Monaragala Divisinal MOH Dr, Sunil Uduwara said that it had been major issue affecting public health in the area for a long time and that he had requested the Pradeshiya Sabha to take action against those responsible. He said it was in question how toilet pits were connected to storm water drains because the Pradeshiya Sabha was responsible for checking such irregularities. Dr. Uduwara said the duty of the MOH office was only to point out health hazards and that remedial and preventive measure should be taken by the Pradeshiya Sabha.

Meanwhile Secretary of the Pradeshiya Sabha D.m.anura Dissanayake said construction work in the town would be approved by a committee comprising officials of the Urban Development Authority, public health inspectors and the technical officer of the Pradeshiya Sabha. He also claimed that the approval of building plans in the past had gone by political favour.