Rain-affected roads to be repaired soon

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Highways Ministry would take prompt action to repair all highways in the Western Province which had been damaged by rain and other damaged roads in the country with the onset of dry weather conditions.

According to the Highways Ministry, at least 60 percent of the highways and other small roads in the Colombo, Kalutara and Gampaha districts which were damaged by the heavy rains that occurred during the past three weeks need urgent repairs.

Highways Minister Nirmala Kotalawala told the Sunday Observer that, a large number of highways, small roads and byroads not only in the Western Province, but in the entire country, have been damaged due to rains.

According to the Meteorology Department, the rains had affected the country, especially the Western Province, very badly and it suddenly ceased due to climate changes. Minister Kotalawala said he had inspected several damaged roads in the Kalutara district. A team of officials has already been deployed to supervise the conditions of all roads while the renovation activities are being carried out.

He paid special attention to the pathetic condition of several damaged roads such as Katukurunda-Neboda Road, old Moratuwa Road, Horana- Matugama Road, Agalawatta-Kalawana Road and Bandaragama-Kesbewa Road.

The Minister said funds for road renovation have already been allocated by the Government and the assistance of Local Government Institutions is also sought in this regard.