Clogged canals flood out Kuruppumulla and Bekkegama

Responsible authority, Panadara DS in deep sleep

Residents of Kuruppumulla and Bekkegama in Panadura, yesterday complained that many of their homes get flooded even during periods of light rain as the Kuruppumulla and Halipitiya canals had not been cleaned and dredged by the authorities for a number of years.

Even though funds were allocated for many projects in Panadura, no funds had been allocated for the much needed project in the Kuruppumulla area for the year 2014, an official of the Panadura Divisional Secretariat who wished to remain anonymous said.

Residents said that the canal which begins from Malamulla to flow through Kuruppumulla and in the ThanthirimullaBekkegama area to join Halipitiya Canal and flow through Ambalanduwa into the Bolgoda Lake. They further charged that crocodiles had now invaded high land due to the condition of the canal.

During rainy season and even the dry season, this canal flows through out the year aided by a strong current. However, since the canal is in an unmaintained condition it overflows its banks even for the slightest rain, flooding the entire area.

M. D. Dharmadasa an area resident said that they had been living in Kuruppumulla since 1978 in a rented house. “When it rains the house gets flooded with more

No funds had been allocated in 2014 for the much needed cleaning and dredging of the overflowing canal

than four feet or water. As a precaution an upper floor has been constructed,” he said.

Dharmadasa said the canal had not been cleared for more than twenty years. According to him if the shrubs alongside the canal are cleared and the canal dredged, the flooding would stop.

Najith Indika another resident said that there were traditional outlets to allow the rain water to flow out into the Bolgoda Lake. “But these outlets and even the drains had been filled in by house builders, causing minor floods to occur when there is rain,” he said.

Panadura Divisional Secretary K.G.Wimalasiri said that as and when emergency situations occur the secretariat had hastened to assist residents. He assured that the local coordinating committee would be informed of the issue and the matter looked into.