Meethotamulla garbage dump victims protest against delay in COMPENSATION PAYMENTS
Several families affected by collapse of the Meethotamulla garbage dump last year engaged in a silent protest before the Ministry of Disaster Management demanding officials to resolve issues related to compensation they are to receive from the government.
Activist Nuwan Bopage, a member of the Movement Against the Meethotamulla Garbage Dump, said the officials were delaying the payment of compensation despite the necessary procedures being completed.
“The lands were valuated and the estimates were sent to the central government. Officials keep telling us that they are yet to receive the funds to pay up,” he said. Bopage went on to say the government had however compensated victims for property destroyed due to the disaster. However, compensation for the land was being delayed for several months. “After the final valuation it was decided that they would pay Rs. 1.1 million per perch and even though we are not very satisfied with the outcome there are about 60 families that need the compensation,” he concluded.
The protestors also submitted a letter demanding the quick payment of compensation to those proven to be home owners with deeds and swiftly compensate families that have agreed to the compensation offered by the government.
The protestors further demanded an additional payment for property, stating that the initial payment of Rs. 250,000 was insufficient and that it should be increased to Rs. 1,000,000. Finally, the protesters demanded the government to compensate for those who had lost vehicles as well. Speaking to the media on a previous occasion Bopage stated that several companies and the Government had taken steps to promote more environmentally-friendly conservation habits and alternative dumping sites were being set up to carry out better waste management.
“Many of the residents here have deeds and have lived in the area for generations. They have no intention of moving to a different location in the city. If nothing happens soon we are going to take some strict action against the matter,” he said.
The protestors further demanded an additional payment for property, stating that the initial payment of Rs. 250,000 was insufficient and that it should be increased to Rs. 1,000,000. Finally, the protesters demanded the government compensate those who had lost vehicles as well