Colombo under water

Anyone in Colombo for last 10-15 years knows what rain can do to its highway system. It does not require a rain of 100 mm to flood Colombo roads & bring havoc to day to day life of its residents.

Colombo infrastructure developed in a rapid speed during last two decades or so. Carpeted roads came from heaven & low lands to absorb rain water went to hell. We can’t say no to infrastructure development. It brings investors – it helps economy to grow. Infrastructure development is the key to economic growth. Construction of better roads and high risers is a part of it. But when it is not properly planed – you never know your “economy” runs out of the back door.

It’s no surprise people turn out to think Colombo municipal council doing bullshit with their money. A young woman was drowned when she fell into a large water hole in the centre of the pavement at Wijerama Mawatha – almost the center of Colombo city. The hole was not visible since the whole pavement was covered by flood waters. This is the second time a same sort of situation took place in the same area. Previously the woman escaped narrowly from death. This time she had no luck. The officials took prompt action just after the death – at least will save few others.

It’s not fair to point fingers to Colombo MC. The responsibility should be shared by all the governments ruled the country during last few decades. They all contributed in different portions to the catastrophe today, we all witness. Some governments never took the Engineers’ advice. Crazy construction work came with no plans. Low lands were filled and came up the high risers. Drainage systems given no priority. These bullshits by ignorant politicians resulted what we are today.

At least now… let the Engineers do the town planning.

Pix:A huge crater caused by yesterday’s heavy rains near the Roxy Cinema in Wellawatte.