Drainage system to prevent flooding in three areas

by Naalir Jamaldeen

Moves are under way to develop the drainage system in the Moratuwa, Mt. Lavinia and Ratmalana areas which are vulnerable for flooding during heavy rains, Postal Services Minister Jeevan Kumaratunga said.

Cabinet has granted approval to the Bill submitted by Minister Kumaratunga to implement the project, Ministry sources said. The Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation will implement the project under the guidance and supervision of the Defence and Urban Development Ministry, according to the Minister.

He said the project is expected to be completed in three-and-a-half years and expressed confidence that once the project is completed, flooding problems of these areas would be solved.

The Minister also said that moves are under way to develop these areas into tourism attractions by developing natural structures and preserving the wetlands and bird sanctuaries.

He said the project will be implemented in two phases. Under the first phase, the Nugegoda-Rattanapitiya canal and the Boralesgamuwa canal which links the Boralesgamuwa North and South zones will be deepened by removing silt. The marshy lands close to Bellangoda will also be preserved. The proposed project will be implemented at a cost of Rs. 13,000 million.When the project is implemented, 148 families and their livelihoods, will be affected, but the Government will pay them reasonable compensation, Minister Kumaratunga said.