Residents protest delay in completing drainage work

Residents of Thelawela Road, Angulana took to the streets yesterday ( 24) to protest against the inconveniences they have been subjected to, in view of the undue delay in completing the work in connection with the drainage system in the area. The protest took place at the Angulana Junction, at the point where the road connects to Thelawela Road.


Residents claimed work had commenced as far back as four years ago, but had been dragged by the authorities concerned, for no apparent reason.


Thousands of people including school children, factory workers, staff of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Rubber Research Institute and the students, teachers and employees of the Moratuwa University, are said be undergoing innumerable difficulties due to the work in this regard not being completed, even though four years had passed since workers had started to dig the roads to lay the pipes.


Residents further said due to the on-going repairs, the drains on either side of the Thelawela Road is being filled with earth and rubble. Even after a small shower, the road is left with large pools of water and several inches of mud. Juxtaposed to this problem, during the dry spell, every person who walks by, as well as every house, building and vehicle, is caked with dust. Meanwhile, sources said due to the road being in a dilapidated state, the bus service that was plying prior to the drainage work commencing, has now been discontinued, adding that most residents have to pay for three-wheeler rides now, which is an extra burden on their day to day expenses.


Reportedly, a Chinese company had been tasked with the re-laying of pipes for the drainage system. The demonstrators alleged that inefficient management of the project had resulted in the work not being completed. They also call it 'an embarrassment' for the government, and demand the authorities concerned pay attention to the plight they have been in, for four years, due largely to no one taking the responsibility to ensure that the drainage system is to be completed, and the roads repaired, so that the residents in the areas as well as others who use the road are able to lead their lives without disruption or inconvenience.
They also called upon the President to address the problems they have been undergoing due to the lethargy and inefficiency of those responsible.