Councillors highlight several burning issues prevailing in the area

There is a sore need for washrooms in the area and I propose that we make a plan in this regard

I would like to remove the proposal that I submitted as I believe that we need to mend ourselves before we point our fingers in accusation at others

Following are several issues that were highlighted during the Moratuwa Municipal Council (MMA) meeting that was held recently.

Councillors spoke on a number of topics including the vaccination of stray dogs, dengu patients and issues related to city beautification.

Speaking of the increasing number of dengue patients reported from the city, UNP Councillor Dilashini Rajakaruna said the city was home to large number of drains that were yet to be cleared out.

The councillor went on to say that many drains were covered in dirt to the point that it could not even be identified as a drain any more. “The drains that are cleaned regularly are maintained while the drains that are not cleaned at all remain so. I propose that we look into this as I have received many complaints from the residents of Soysapura that despite the number of complaints nothing has been done,” she said.

Meanwhile, SLPP Councillor Ransiri Fernando proposed employing security guards for the walking path along the Lunawa lagoon as there were several attempts to vandalize the property. “We just repaired the street lights along the lagoon. We need to protect it for the people,” he said.

Opposition leader Senaka Damayantha (UNP) recalled his proposal to halt tuition masters from pasting posters across the city in a manner that would hinder the city beautification process.

“I would like to remove the proposal that I submitted as I believe that we need to mend ourselves before we point our fingers in accusation at others.

Speaking of public washrooms, Councillor Nishantha Ferdinando (JVP) complained that many of them had been sealed by the health department as they were extremely unclean.

Responding to the claim, Mayor Samanlal Fernando said it was a shame that they, who were charged with the clearing up of the city and public bathrooms, were unable to keep the washrooms in the vicinity clean for their own use.

“There is a sore need for washrooms in the area and I propose that we make a plan in this regard,” Deputy Mayor Samantha Silva said.

Meanwhile, Sunil Nandasiri (UNP) stated that the Rawatawatte Cemetery was filled with dogs that had become a nuisance to those who visited the cemetery.

“The last time we had a drive to vaccinate dogs in the city no one could understand the poster that had been put up. No one understood the announcement that was put up the day before the drive either. There was a picture of a dog biting a child that was it,” Councillor Pradeep Shriyantha said.