By Newswire Editorial
Development work on Chandrika Kumaratunga Mawatha, connecting Ambatale and Malabe, and the conservation of the parallel Heen Ela canal commenced on Thursday (05).
According to Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara, a total of Rs. 730 million has been allocated for the two development projects.
Of this amount, Rs. 275 million has been allocated for carpeting and improving Chandrika Kumaratunga Mawatha, while Rs. 455 million has been set aside for the conservation of the Heen Ela canal.
The Deputy Minister said the road, located along the boundary of the Kolonnawa and Kaduwela local government areas in the Colombo District, has suffered extensive damage due to frequent flooding and prolonged waterlogging.
He said cracks and subsidence have affected the road, disrupting transportation, while heavy water flow through Heen Ela has caused severe erosion at several locations along a 58-metre stretch, damaging both the road and canal banks.
Gunasekara further revealed that the road had remained without repairs for an extended period due to uncertainty over which authority was legally responsible for its maintenance.
However, following the intervention of the Kolonnawa and Kaduwela Coordination Committees, responsibility for the road has now been transferred to the Road Development Authority (RDA).
The Deputy Minister added that the development project also includes the construction of reinforced retaining walls (Gabion Walls) to prevent further erosion and damage to the road. (Newswire)