Unauthorized buildings blocking canals to be relocated: CMC

16 January 2024 10:58 am - 22 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, Jan 16 (Daily Mirror) - Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) is to relocate 500 unauthorized buildings constructed blocking the canals in Colombo City, Commissioner Badrani Jayawardene told the media yesterday.

Ms. Jayawardene said most of these constructions had blocked the flow of water, which has caused frequent floods within the city of Colombo. Some dwellings are said to be directly blocking waterways while others are built in canal basins. Most of the unauthorized constructions are houses and are located around Beira Lake, Maradana and Kirulapone areas.

“We have also engaged in dialogues with some building owners to see whether we can come to an amicable solution. We don’t want to cause problems for these owners by demolishing their buildings but looking at providing alternate solutions with the help of our engineers. We also intend to initiate a dialogue with the Urban Development Authority (UDA) to provide alternative locations to those who live in unauthorized dwellings,” she said.
She said around 22 flooding locations have been identified within the city. “We will draw up the short-term, medium-term and long-term plans to avoid flooding.

The first stage is to initiate a dialogue with the owners, then will talk with the Divisional Secretary, Sri Lanka Land Reclamation Development Corporation and UDA. Our intention is to do the relocation as a team,” she added.
According to CMC, some families living in unauthorized dwellings do not want to move even if new houses are provided for them.

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Comments - 22

Be Fair Tuesday, 16 January 2024 11:27 AM

Check who has Authorized these buildings, ensure they are also taken to task

Rex Jarkie Tuesday, 16 January 2024 02:34 PM

FIRST REMAND THE ONES WHO AUTHORISE THESE CONSTRUCTIONS

Tax payer Tuesday, 16 January 2024 11:51 AM

Just remove it if it is unauthorized, so they will think twice before doing it. We don't want to spend tax payers money to these unauthorised building and relocation. First of all why RDA and CMC allowing to build such unauthorised building and why CEB and water board providing connection?

Sokrates Tuesday, 16 January 2024 11:53 AM

Why so complicated and time-consuming? Give the owners of illegal buildings 4 weeks to vacate the houses. Then send bulldozers to demolish these houses. It is unacceptable that tens of thousands of people have to suffer from the floods just because some Crooks do not obey the law and construct buildings without permits.

Mahila Tuesday, 16 January 2024 06:52 PM

This is Sri Lanka and it is God's own country as all of them claim!!!??? NO LAW and Order!!!??? Changed and also overlooked at every turn by whoever is in a position to "PULL STRINGS" of the Powerful and Corrupt Politicians and 'Power Brokers'!!?? Money turns dead become alive and New buildings to Rise in Unwanted Places!!!??? Thrice Blessed Land like No Other!!!???

DOT Tuesday, 16 January 2024 11:57 AM

This is relevant to all most all LG Institutions.

Demolish if illegally Constructed Tuesday, 16 January 2024 11:57 AM

If they were illegally constructed, should be demolished. No concessions as these people are selfish, not bothered about others

Make Them an Example Tuesday, 16 January 2024 05:53 PM

Absolutely. Don’t understand the rationale to assist them in relocation when it’s illegal. Must destroy

NV Jen Tuesday, 16 January 2024 12:53 PM

Most of these politicians and bureaucrats do not know the meaning of the proverb 'Prevention is better than Cure'! They nap or turn a blind eye, while illegal constructions are being built, and then wake up when floods or some disaster happens.

Ruwan Tuesday, 16 January 2024 03:08 PM

It's not easy as you say in this country full of fools. For e.g. see the amount of opposition the Acting IGP Deshabandu is facing when he's clearing up the city of drugs.

Bandu Tuesday, 16 January 2024 05:16 PM

Ruwan. What civilised country will have an IGP like Deshabandu a convicted person to head the Police which is to catch criminals. May be some corrupt state in Africa.

Bandu Tuesday, 16 January 2024 01:15 PM

So they want to discuss with unauthorised building owners but two weeks ago they broke down a hotel which had 50 employees without qualms because the neighbours hotel was losing customers. That is Sri Lanka. Laws are for the people but VIPs get away.

Dee Tuesday, 16 January 2024 01:19 PM

If they are unauthorized just demolish them! Why relocate spending taxpayers money? Ask them to fly a kite! Why? Are you afraid of loosing their votes? Those elements this time will vote NPP. So they will be sorted afterwards. This country will always go backwards if you continue to fund these guys with taxpayers money. These guys do all kinds of illegal stuff and own more than taxpayers. And you want to build them houses from taxpayers money as well?

sanath Tuesday, 16 January 2024 01:56 PM

If it is unauthorized, just demolish them

Ron Tuesday, 16 January 2024 02:13 PM

Why everthing goes crooked in government sectors ....Money money is honey..

DOT Tuesday, 16 January 2024 02:29 PM

Akurana Pradesiya Sabha is one of the worst!

Abdur Razzak Tuesday, 16 January 2024 02:46 PM

If these are unauthorized structure why an amicable solution !

Ram Tuesday, 16 January 2024 02:57 PM

A video is circulating showing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga filling a land bordering an ela/waterway acquiring it to his land. The issue raised does nor surprise me and I guess that is the rule

Weda korana wiruwa Tuesday, 16 January 2024 10:00 PM

Give notice to vacate, then disconnect electricity, water , next bulldoze

Jeewaka Wednesday, 17 January 2024 01:36 AM

What a pathetic statement.. I will make love before ask them to move or blh bl;ah. Ms Badrani dont u have any shame about your position? Just evect the illegals and demolish.. the crap. Relocatimg. Lol

Ravana Wednesday, 17 January 2024 02:09 AM

Rex Jarkie What a wonderful suggestion. This is the move we should execute as soon as possible. Let's see how many files and documents go missing within the next few weeks.

Ray Wednesday, 17 January 2024 12:25 PM

All government sectors big guns must be prosecuted for any failer in authorizing. For future projects main signatories must be accountable providing approvals. No ifs no buts stop all unwanted happening government sectors are the worse....

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Unauthorized buildings blocking canals to be relocated: CMC

Comments - 22

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