Investigations on abandoned SLCTB buses

by Ananda Kannangara

Transport Minister Dallus Alahapperuma last week directed Ministry's senior officials to make investigations on SLCTB buses, that are abandoned at the Transport Board depot premises in the Northern and Eastern provinces.

The Ministry expect to repair them in order to strengthen the passenger transport service in these two provinces. The decision was taken following complaints received by the Transport Ministry from these two provinces, especially from the Eastern Province, which was completely liberated by the security forces recently.

"People in the rural areas of the Eastern Province now need additional buses, especially after the liberation from the LTTE grip," Minister Alahapperuma said.

He said due to the negligence of depot officials, some buses which need only few spare parts to convert them into running condition, have been overlooked for several years.

"The officials are interested in new buses, rather than repairing the old buses."

He said the Government is also expected to deploy imported buses in these two provinces before the end of this year. Meanwhile, a senior SLCTB official at Narahenpita told the 'Sunday Observer' that nearly 1,000 buses which need minor repairs are still idling at depots without paying any attention.