Poses serious threat of DENGUE BREEDING SPOTS

CLOGGED DRAINS ALONG BELLANWILA VIHARA MAWATHA AND DEHIWALA-MAHARAGAMA ROAD

Residents of the area said poor maintenance of the side drains in Bellanwila Vihara Mawatha and Dehiwala – Maharagama road had created a serious health hazard affecting a large population. They pointed out that the side drains had turned mosquito breeding grounds due to obstructions to the free flow of storm water and that they were living in constant fear of possible breakout of Dengue fever due to the neglected and dilapidated storm water drains filled with stagnant water. They said the terminal disease was likely to raise its ugly head again in the area.

Member of the Dehiwala- Mount Lavinia Municipal Council Mervyn Nandasiri said the incomplete road development activities and excavations to lay pipe lines had resulted in this state.

“Waste water from the bathing pond in Bellanwila temple that diverted into the side drain on the main road has been stagnating for months. The side drains

Waste water from the bathing pond in Bellanwila temple that diverted into the side drain on the main road has been stagnating for months

along Vihara Mawatha and Dehiwalamaharagama main road are filled with storm water and waste water from the houses and business establishments. Free flow of water is obstructed by the dilapidated condition of the drains. Municipal Council had been dissolved for about two years leaving public utility services and the infrastructure facilities at the mercy of the officials. The side drains had been in a dilapidated state due to neglect and misuse. Haphazard dumping of garbage had obstructed the free flow of water in the drains. Side drains are covered with garbage at several locations.” he said.

A resident of Bellanwila, Sarath Kapukotuwa (55) said haphazard dumping of garbage in the side drains was due to the Municipal Council’s negligence. If the MC removed garbage at regular intervals the people would not resort to haphazard disposal of garbage.

“Individuals travelling by luxury vehicles, throw bags of garbage into the side drains and it is going on unchecked. The roads go under water during heavy rain due to the obstructions caused to the free flow of water through the side drains. Our requests to the Municipal Council to clean and repair the side drains have not yet received any positive response” he said. The public warned that the situation would worsen during the Bellanwila Perehera season when large crowds flock to the area.

Individuals travelling by luxury vehicles, throw bags of garbage into the side drains and it is going on unchecked