Rooftops and drains, the latest to breed mosquitoes – CMC

by Carol Aloysius

In search of fresh breeding grounds, the ubiquitous mosquito has now found new places to lay their larvae - on rooftops, drains and gutters apart from their traditional breeding sites – mainly empty plastic containers and coconut shells, Chief Medical Officer, Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) Dr. Ruwan Wijemuni told the Sunday Observer.

He said the disturbing new trend was discovered during recent cleaning up campaigns by the CMC and Health Ministry. “It proves that the mosquitoes still multiply despite the dry weather. We need the fullest co-operation of the public to check it.”

He said that 194 cases against owners of breeding sites had been filed during the past 21 days of this month alone.

“The highest number of cases is from Mattakkuliya, Kotahena and other areas in Colombo North. We are currently conducting fogging operations in these high-risk areas, covering at least 150 metres within the high risk area.

We appeal to the public to spend a few minutes daily to inspect their gardens and neighbourhood so that we can get rid of this menace,” he said.

Dr. Wijemuni said there would be a special cleaning up program from January 31 till February 1 to eradicate mosquitoes in the city. The Health Ministry, Central Environment Authority and the Tri forces, will be involved in this effort”.