UNSEEN DEATH TRAP: ATTIDIYA WASTEWATER CANAL
The wastewater canal flowing from Galle Road through Mihindu Mawatha in Mount Lavinia into the Attidiya main canal had turned into an eyesore and a serious health hazard, residents said.
They said the canal, covered with shrubbery, did not allow the free flow of water due to the neglect of maintenance.
They pointed out that the canal was filled with stagnant water and created an ideal environment for dengue mosquitoes to breed.
The Government Maternity and Child Clinic in the vicinity was infested with mosquitoes exposing them to the danger of contracting dengue fever, women said.
A vast population in Mihindu Mawatha, Sanghamitta Road, Kawdana-attidiya Road, Perera Place, Peiris Road and the Palliyadora areas are facing inconvenience due to the dilapidated state of the wastewater drain flowing through those areas.
A resident of Mihindu Mawatha D. Suneetha Perera said that the canal had turned into a wastewater drain covered with shrubs due to the neglect of maintenance.
The sidewalls of the canal are more than 7ft in hieght at several locations and they were covered with bushes and were broken down.
Suneetha said the water canal camouflaged with shrub jungle was a death trap.
“The road is encroached by unauthorized settlers who prevented the movement of backhoes and other vehicles attending to the maintenance of the canal,” she said.
“The authorities should first demolish unauthorized constructions. However, they are not concerned about the dangers. The canal has now also turned into a dumping ground for individuals travelling by vehicles.
“They throw bags of garbage into the canal worsening the situation. Recently a lorry load of debris from a construction site was left on the canal bank obstructing the access road to the maternity and childcare clinic, but the authorities had not taken any action against the building contractor.”
Residents requested the authorities -including the Dehiwala- Mount Lavinia Municipal Council -to clean the canal and to repair the side walls.