Residents of Kawdanaattidiya lament Dragging Road Development Project

Residents of the area and the drivers said there would be no other neglected road in the Western Province than Kawdana – Attidiya road that runs through an area of dense population. They expressed concern about the long delay in completing the Road development project that left the road in a dilapidated condition much to the inconvenience of the people. Residents of the area pointed out that the project had been dragging on for more than thirty years turning the road into an eyesore with piles of construction material and earth dug up during excavations left haphazardly along the road.

They said the contractors changed under the successive governments and the change of ministers and that it had resulted in a colossal waste of public funds.

A resident of Kawdana area Suranga Perera (48) said the project had been held up for about thirty years and that it resulted in obstructions to storm water drains and prevented the construction of sewers. “The project was launched during the time of Minister C.v.gunaratne and its estimated cost at that time was Rs.480 million. A board indicating the details of the project had been put up at the turn off at the Galle road. However project was stalled after widening and laying the bitumen carpet in about half a kilometre stretch of the road and carrying on excavations at several locations. Construction work of the storm water drainage system was neglected. The project was abandoned under the false pretext of obstructions to land acquisition for which the land owners were held responsible. Vehicle run zig zag to avoid ruts, pitfalls, and muddy pools created by heavy rains experienced at present. We have been affected by the sad state of the road for more than 30 years. Our representations to the authorities of successive governments fell on the deaf ear. Attidiya- Kawdana road running through an area of thick population is the shortest access road to the Galle road at Dehiwala. Our vehicles develop constant technical defects and breakdowns due to the dilapidated state of the road. I have to replace the broken spring blades quite often. The road from Pallidora junction to Ambakotuwa junction is not in a motorable condition. The situation

the project had been held up for about thirty years and that it resulted in obstructions to storm water drains and prevented the construction of sewers

further aggravates during heavy rain when the road goes under water. ”he said.

A trishaw driver G.F. Sirisoma said the trishaw drivers had been compelled to refuse hires on this road to avoid damage to the vehicles.

“We transport passengers from Galle road to Attidiya and Nedimala along this road. However it is with great difficulty that escapes accidents when we run zig zag to avoid ruts and pitfalls in the road. Our vehicles develop constant trouble that result in repairs at heavy cost. Although the project has been dragging on for more than 30 years much to the inconvenience of the public, the contractors have been immensely benefitted” he said.

Residents of the area requested as their last resort to the Ministry of Western Development and Mega Polis to pay attention on irregularities in the project and take step to expedite.

We transport passengers from Galle road to Attidiya and Nedimala along this road. However it is with great difficulty that escapes accidents when we run zig zag to avoid ruts and pitfalls in the road