Battle against dengue, garbage on military footing

Two key ministers propose armed services be called in; Permission sought to break into locked private premises

Two ministers want to place the Government’s battle against raging dengue and piling garbage on a military footing in the City of Colombo.

They want the Commanders of the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Police Chief to assign ten officers each to man an “Operations Room” for this purpose. They also want to invoke powers under the Public Security Act to deal with the situation.

The proposal has come from Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayake and Provincial Councils Minister Faiszer Musthapha.

In a joint memorandum, the two ministers have proposed that surveillance cameras be fixed around garbage dumps. About 50smart phones to be issued to Police and Armed Forces personnel, they have said, would enable them to monitor those dumping unauthorised garbage.

The ministers have said that an order should be issued under the Public Security Act to permit public officials to enter into private premises “which are under lock and key (with occupants away or shifting home) to make searches for mosquito breeding sites.

They are seeking ten motorcycles, four double cabs, two Three Wheeler scooter taxis (on lease basis) to ensure mobility of personnel.

They have recommended that legal action should be taken against heads of all state institutions, including schools and private institu- tions where mosquito breeding areas are found.

While CCTV cameras are to be installed in waste disposal sites, there will be a new condition included in permits issued either by the Urban Development Authority or the local council. It will require the public disclosure of the owner/contractor and to temporarily suspend the building permit no sooner the legal action is initiated.

At present the Armed Forces and Police are assisting Health officials on house visits to inspect whether there are mosquito breeding spots in homes in the Colombo City. Those found to have such breeding sites are being prosecuted.

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