DEHIWALA SUBHODARAMA ROAD IN A STATE OF NEGLECT

The Subodharama Mawatha in Dehiwala is just another road in the Dehiwala – Mount Lavinia Municipal area that had been neglected for many years.

Residents of the area said the Municipal Council and the Road Development Authority that developed several roads in the area had left Subodharama Mawatha that runs through an urban area of thick population in a dilapidated condition.

They pointed out that the side drains dug up along the road side several years ago had been left without being concreting and that it resulted in erosion during heavy rains.

A resident of the area Chandana Gunatunga (45) said that the excavations to lay sewers and main water pipes had not been restored and that the road turned into muddy pools during heavy rain.

“During the dry season, clouds of dust from passing vehicles cause air pollution and cause damage to houses and household appliances. Breathing of polluted air cause lung ailments among children. My house is about 15 metres away from the edge of the road and it is one of those worst affected by dust. During the Perahera festival, the ruts and potholes that create muddy pools on the road are filled with broken bricks and metal as a temporary measure. During the recent rains the road had gone under water for more than a week and the splashing of water from the passing vehicles flowed into the houses and the pedestrians had their clothes soiled with muddy water.” he said A trader of the area G. Nelson said several by-roads in the area including They pointed out that the side drains dug up along the road side several years ago had been left without being concreting and that it resulted in erosion during heavy rains the Subodharama Road had been in a dilapidated condition due to the ongoing excavation to lay the sewer lines. He accused the authorities of neglecting to restore the road after laying the pipelines.

“We can only request the Municipal Council and other relevant authorities to complete the road development project, It they turn a deaf ear to our grievances, we are helpless. As our last resort we request the Megapolis and Western Development Ministry to look into these shortcomings” he said.