Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) Commissioner Badrani Jayawardene announced plans to relocate approximately 500 unauthorized buildings that have been obstructing canals within Colombo City.
Addressing a press conference held yesterday, Commissioner Jayawardene highlighted the detrimental impact of these constructions on water flow, contributing to frequent floods in the city. The affected areas include Beira Lake, Maradana, and Kirulapone, where many unauthorized houses have been erected, directly blocking waterways or encroaching upon canal basins.
"We've engaged in dialogues with building owners to explore amicable solutions, aiming to avoid causing problems by demolishing their structures. Our focus is on providing alternative solutions with the assistance of our engineers," stated Jayawardene. Additionally, discussions with the Urban Development Authority (UDA) are planned to identify alternative locations for residents currently occupying unauthorized dwellings.
Identifying 22 flooding locations within the city, CMC is set to devise short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans to mitigate flooding risks. The first step involves dialogue with building owners, followed by consultations with the Divisional Secretary, Sri Lanka Land Reclamation Development Corporation, and UDA. The CMC emphasizes a collaborative approach to ensure effective relocation.
Despite efforts, some families residing in unauthorized dwellings are reportedly reluctant to move, even if provided with new housing options. The CMC aims to address this challenge through ongoing discussions and comprehensive planning.
