New look for Anuradhapura

By Mohammed NAALIR

The Anuradhapura city will be developed as a clean and beautiful city. All problems in the city will be addressed without any bias, newly elected Anuradhapura Municipal Council Mayor H.P. Somadhasa said in an exclusive interview with Sunday Observer at his office.

Q: When did you start your political career?

A: I entered politics in 1976 from Mulkirigala. I learned my first lesson in politics in the by election held this year. I did not contest but helped candidates. I was a police officer before entering politics. I lost my job as I was convicted in a Court case.

I have worked with North Central Province Chief Minister, Berty Premalal Dissanayake for over 17 years since 1988. I have been the secretary of the Chief Minister. I contested the Anuradhapura Municipal Council election in 2006 and was elected as Deputy Mayor. I have also contested the North Central Provincial Council election. I couldn't become a provincial council member because I was short of 320 votes. I secured a massive victory in the recently concluded Anuradhapura Municipal Council election.

Q: Can you elaborate on the development projects implemented in the Anuradhapura municipality area?

A: Disposal of garbage was the main problem in the city. As Deputy Mayor I regulated the garbage disposal management in the city. As the city was kept clean the Dengue epidemic threat came down in the city and we could control Dengue in the city. After assuming office, as an immediate move I removed the abattoir from the city to a separate place.

The Anuradhapura Municipal Council (AMC) conducted a social service program under the theme "Esa dhutu thena" to solve problems in city on sight. Funds for this program was raised from the "Maga Neguma" and "Gama Neguma" projects. The damaged drainage systems were reconstructed while also constructing new drainages in suitable areas. The Koombichchankulam and Wanniyankulam tanks which were under the control of some unauthorised people, is under control of AMC.

Even-though there are several playgrounds in the city, there is not a single place for leisure. A children's park, is crucial. The people in the city are unable to enjoy their holiday joyfully with children due to lack of a park. The Koombichchankulam will be developed to a children's park with all facilities.

With a view to increasing beauty, the AMC has planted over 100 Mee trees Mee gas - The Botanical terms is Bassia latifolia) in Koombichchankulam.

There is a 157 kilometre-long road network in the Anuradhapura Municipality area. Over 100 kilometres have been tarred. Nearly 52 kilometres are yet to be tarred. All gravel roads in the Municipality area will be concreted. The roads which are frequently used by people and motorists will be carpeted. Godage Mawatha, Bulankulama Dissa Mawatha, Pubudhupura road and Semasinghe Mawatha are being carpeted at a cost of Rs. 150 million. Semasingha Mawatha and Bulankulama Mawatha are in progress. Kassapa Mawatha, Sangabo Mawatha and Jaya Mawatha roads will be carpeted at a cost of Rs. 42 million allocated by the Economic Development Ministry. Other three roads in the Municipality area will also be carpeted with financial allocation from the Economic Development Ministry.

Q: What are the measures that will be taken to prevent the Anuradhapura city from going under water during heavy rains?

A: Unauthorised buildings and structures are the prime cause for the city going under water during heavy rain. Several buildings and houses have been constructed blocking the drainage system. There is no proper drainage system in Stage 2 and 3. Certain houses have been constructed blocking the main drainage in these areas. The unauthorised houses and structures should be removed from certain areas to solve this problem. The AMC is planning to construct a proper drainage system in the city.

A sewerage system will be constructed in stage-01 area with the help of the relevant Ministry. We have held discussions with relevant authorities to implement this project soon.

Q: What are the steps to be taken to solve the problem of unauthorised structures in the city?

A: Eventhough there are several unauthorised houses in the city certain houses can be given to dwellers as they are not blocking the drainage system. The structures and houses which block the drainage system will be demolished. Legal permission won't be granted.

Q; What are the steps being taken by you to solve the housing and sanitation problems of the people residing close to Malwathu-oya?

A: Over 200 families are residing on both sides of the Malvathu Oya and Malwathu lane. These people are undergoing immense hardship when the river overflows. Plans are afoot to construct permanent houses for those people in Anuradhapura city. The AMC plans to get the prison land after the Anuradhapura prison was shifted to another place.

Over 100 families have no toilet facilities. Nearly 20 families use one toilet. This is a long lasting problem since 1970. This problem has yet to be solved. The AMC plans to construct temporary toilets in this area until permanent houses are constructed.

Q: What are the steps to be taken to address the unemployment problem in the city?

A: The Municipal Council is not employment generating place. This is a place where people are absorbed to work. The workers are used to dispose garbage, to clean drainage systems and to sweep roads. The Municipal Council has enough labourers. The excess workers will be used for development work.

Q: Can you explain the livelihood development projects implemented in the city?

A: We have formed ten women's societies in the municipality area during the past five years. Self-employment training has been provided to make bags, toffee, yoghurt and other toys. Bank loan facilities have also been arranged for women who are engaged in self-employment. Plans are afoot to promote self-employment among women in the city.

Q: Can you explain the proposed advisory committee?

A: I assumed duty on October 21st. I have made all arrangements to set up this committee soon. The committee will comprise a retired doctor, religious prelates, an experienced person from the administrative service and a technical expert. Based on their recommendations all development proposals will be submitted in the house for approval.

We have experience, when knowledge meets experience, there will be a better outcome.

Q: Can you explain the scholarship program?

A: Last year the AMC granted scholarships to 370 poor children in the city. Books were donated to 4,000 children in January. The Municipality has taken steps to grant scholarships to nearly 3,000 schoolchildren in future. We have raised funds for the proposed program. Last year we allocated Rs. 4 million. This year we have reserved Rs. 10 million. We are planning to grant a scholarship of Rs. 300 to a child every month. Rs.3,600 will be granted for a child per year. The beneficiary families of the proposed program will be selected through relevant Grama Niladaris.

A recycling plant will be set up in the city border. The Ministry of Environment has allocated Rs. 6.5m for this project.

The Municipality fire brigade has received an ambulance with all facilities. I have an idea to develop it as a mobile medical laboratory. Then the poor people in villages can easily checked diabetese, cholesterol and other diseases free of charge at their door step. The poor people in the villages will benefit after starting this service.

Q; Stray dogs are the main problem in the city, how will this menace be eradicated?

A: Stray dogs are the main problem in urban areas. Even-though sterilisation, the stray dog population couldn't be minimised. The AMC will introduce a mechanism to minimise the stray dog problem in the city. Dog breeders must register their dogs with the Municipal council. The Municipality will then issue a belt to identity these dogs from stray dogs.