POOR MAINTENANCE OF DRAINS RESULTS IN HEALTH HAZARDS AND PUBLIC INCONVENIENCE

Bellanwila Vihara Mawatha and Dehiwala-maharagama road

Residents of the area said poor maintenance of side drains in Bellanwila Vihara Mawatha and Dehiwala – Maharagama road had created a serious health hazard affecting a large population. They pointed out that maintaining the side drains had been neglected for a long time.

A resident of the area Vincent Wickremesooriya (60) said the side drains filled with storm water during heavy rain experienced at present had turned into a mosquito breeding ground and quite often the road went under water due to obstructions caused to the free flow of water. He pointed out that the side drains had turned into mosquito breeding grounds due to obstructions caused to the free flow of storm water and that they were living in constant fear of a possible breakout of Dengue fever and that the terminal disease was likely to raise its ugly head again in the area.

“Waste water from the bathing pond in Bellanwila temple that flowed into the side drain on the main road has been stagnating for months. The side drains along Vihara Mawatha and Dehiwala-maharagama 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. The Municipal Council had been dissolved for about two years leaving public utility services and the infrastructure facilities to 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 Piyal Suraweera (47) 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.

“Side drains have turned into an eyesore due to haphazard dumping of garbage. Individuals travelling by luxury vehicles are in the habit of throwing bags of garbage into the side drains. The roads go under water during heavy rain when the side drains obstructed by garbage overflow. Our requests to the authorities to clean and repair the side drains have not yet received any positive response,” he said.

The public requested the authorities to repair the side drains to prevent the impending danger of Dengue fever and inconvenience caused by flooding of roads.

Free flow of water is obstructed by the dilapidated condition of the drains. The Municipal Council had been dissolved for about two years leaving public utility services and the infrastructure facilities to the mercy of the officials