Dust and debris pervade Moratuwa Galle Rd. precincts
The Galle Road stretch in Moratuwa has been excavated on either side with dust and debris flying around, due to the ongoing infrastructure development.
Speaking to Daily Mirror, Moratuwa Deputy Mayor Sujith Pushpakumara said, at a discussion held recently they had given instructions to the Road Development Authority (RDA) to wrap up the construction process as soon as possible.
“The ongoing construction is troublesome to commuters and pedestrians of the area. However, the Municipality was looking forward to this overhaul for a long time since the roads get flooded even for the slightest rainfall,” he said, adding that there were many potholes on the road and no drainage systems.
Mr. Pushpakumara further said the flooding and congestion issues would be addressed once this project was completed.
Municipal Engineer Neville Upasiri said they had presented the RDA with several proposals to address the problems faced by the citizens of Moratuwa.
“Congestion and flooding are two of the greatest problems the residents of Moratuwa have to face. We asked the RDA to introduce proper drainage systems to address the flooding issues and broaden the roadway by reducing the width of the center median to ease the traffic flow,” he said.
Referring to the ongoing construction down the main Galle Road, an official from the RDA said once the constructions were completed the pedestrian crossings would be improved, traffic lights added to the main intersections, drainage system improved, the center median beautified and the road surface developed.
“Residents complain that once road construction is completed the officials from the Water Board would open up the road due to flooding issues. However this time, in addition to the road rehabilitation we have taken measures to add water pipes and proper drainage systems to address the flooding issue and avoid the opening up of the roads,” he said.
The one-year project which commenced in July 2013 is expected to finish by July this year.
RDA sources further said the contract had been drawn up to commence construction down old Galle Road. Construction would commence once the contract had been awarded. The ongoing infrastructure development along the 17 km-stretch down the main Galle Road was being funded by the World Bank and the development down old Galle Road would be funded by the RDA.