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| Thursday, 4 November 2004 |
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Letters | |
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Please forward your letters to [email protected] in plain text format within the e-mail message, since as a policy we do not open any attachments.
Uniflow traffic system on Galle Road and Duplication Road This has reference to the letter by Nihal de Silva (Oct.28). As I see it, the attempted experiment with the Uniflow System from Wellawatte to Colpetty was a clear case of trying solutions without analysing the problem. The obvious method of solving any problem is to first understand the problem, analyse the problem to identify causative factors, consider alternative solutions taking cost effectiveness and practicability into account and then implement the most effective and feasible solution. Any solution needs careful planning before implementation. Considering the problem of traffic congestion, the first thing that one has to examine is whether traffic rules are observed and whether the traffic police are properly trained and competent to enforce the rules. As de Silva rightly points out, it is a common sight to see the policemen forcing the motorists to break the rules such as by getting them to drive on disregarding traffic light signals or the rules of right of way at roundabouts. They may be doing so with the best of intentions but the damage such actions cause in the minds of motorists by getting them to disregard the normal rules could be considerable and unconsciously embed the message that it is OK to disregard traffic rules when they are in a hurry or when they think it is safe to do so. It is a common sight to see buses overtaking other vehicles and then stop within a few metres to drop or take passengers blocking the entire traffic. Most private buses will stop anywhere irrespective of authorised halts. The threewheelers will creep through any gap and stop anywhere without any consideration for other traffic. Some motorists have no sense of lane discipline and zig-zag their way blocking other traffic. Pedestrian crossings are no safer than any other place to cross the road and as a result the pedestrians will wait for sometime before crossing even when the traffic has stopped to ensure that there are no likely 'shooters' even at a distance. Reckless driving particularly at excessive speeds which has not been controlled by the police particularly on outstation roads is the primary reason for so many traffic tragedies which are on the increase. There should be realistic speed limits and strict enforcement thereof. What we need first is a steady and efficient traffic police system that will enforce traffic rules strictly without giving into pressure tactics of various associations, groups or individuals. Even spot fines for offenders is a motivation to observe traffic rules as the hassle of redeeming the driving licence after going to post office and then to the police station is itself a good punishment apart from the cost of the fine. There is a case for increasing the amount of fines perhaps about fourfold. Secondly, we need to make a systematic study of the problem with all the technological tools available such as traffic flow models and come out with a well planned solution. Clearly such solutions cannot be implemented overnight and will need time as well as human and financial resources. Otherwise we would end up with solutions that are worse than the problem as demonstrated in the two-day trial with the Uniflow Traffic System. PROF. CHARLES SENARATH - Moratuwa Where does the garbage come from? Garbage is a big problem. Yes; not only because there is no proper dumping place, more so, because people do not care about their country enough to dispose them wisely. Often we see garbage on the main road - even in front of hi-fi companies, shops and residences. In Dehiwela between 2nd Lane and Campbell Place right on Galle Road there is a stretch where the sili sili bags full of garbage are thrown, with cows eating out of them. Now, where does this garbage come from? There is no residence or shop near this place. Obviously from people living nearby bringing their garbage from homes and throwing them surreptitiously onto the main road. I know of people who dump their garbage over other people's parapet wall or in front of other's gates. These are the callous culprits who want to keep their own premises clean, but do not care whose doorstep, they throw their garbage at. These probably are the people who shout loudest that the municipality does not maintain cleanliness of the city. Such selfish acts only make ourselves sick - literally and metaphorically. If everyone care enough to get rid of their own garbage in a decent way, the problem won't be so bad. At Vandervert Place we have decided to utilize the compost barrels which takes in all the kitchen garbage. The papers and bottles are sold to the 'bothal karaya' and only a little garbage remains. This too, is not allowed to litter the common road. We have come up with an idea of a 'bakkiya' outside the premises over the drains, which is unobtrusive, too heavy to be lifted away by the drug addicts and neat and nice to look at. Just 2' x 1' x 1', it takes in the balance garbage neatly tucked in, for the garbage collectors to come and remove. This way one need not wait for the garbage collectors, and if one is not at home also, the collectors will remove the bags from the bakkiya. All we need to get rid of our garbage is, a little ingenuity and a little concern for the country. Do the garbage disposal the Vandervert way - we can overcome this menace in no time! DR. MAREENA THAHA REFFAI - Dehiwela Wet zone Goat-farming It's a common misunderstanding that the goat is a dry zone animal and that it would not thrive in wet country. The writer pens this article to dispel that misapprehension, having reared goats in Dehiwela coupling it with a poultry farm which put out a daily average of 5000 eggs and later with the drop in egg prices to uneconomic levels having switched over to broiler production putting out a daily average of 175 to 200 dressed broiler carcasses. Though the paultry farm was of sizable proportions the mainstay was the goat population. I write this not to advocate big time goat farming but for the unemployed youth and even the employed to supplement his income. In the wet zone a shed to house the goat in rainy weather is indispensable. A shed with coconut thatched roof with a raised platform of slats is required, for the goat prefers raised bedding. Rough forest timber which is cheap may be used for the structure. Food for the goat is chiefly greens and as a concentrate for the milch goat coconut poonac may be provided with a vitamin - mineral brick with salt and plenty of water always available. The goats housing should be readily accessible to it for when rain comes down the animal will instinctively seek shelter. Shelter from the rain is indispensable in wet zone goat farming. The Jamnapari and Anglo Nubian breeds do well and also the Saanen, the milch goat of choice. In a town like Dehiwela goat flesh or mutton is in demand and so is milk. The males and the spent female goat may go to the butcher, good milking goats with prominent udders find a good market and so will a showy stud male. Neighbouring goat owners will seek the animals services for an attractive free. I sold an male stud in the early ninetees for rupees ten thousand. The animal found a home in Vavuniya. The goat need not be confined to the dry zone. The goat is ideally suited for a third world country like ours where sophisticated milch cow dairy farming is capital intensive and should be discouraged and the country's money saved while village youth could supplement their incomes with goat rearing and not be tempted to go back to the city to better themselves. Goat dung and even compost of dung could be bagged and sold to the city flower gardens. The public should be made aware that got milk enjoys higher digestibility and is more palatable. Many people are allergic to cows milk, unhappy bottle fed babies take readily to goat's milk which will redress and allay the distress caused to babies on cows milk, fresh or powdered. Being an animal that could perform anywhere in the country it may prove well to introduce goat farming to a National Development Plan for livestock. I. L. P. SAMARASINGHE - Dehiwela The Kandy Lake Speaking at the inaugural meeting for the restoration of the Kandy Lake the Mayor of Kandy had voiced a reservation which is both ominous and revealing. (DN 6.10.04). The Mayor had stressed that even if Rs. 500 m. were to be released for the restoration it would be futile if residents do not co-operate in helping to look after the Lake and its environs. The pollution and the gradual silting of the Lake is not of recent times. It is decades old, and while the elements have been kind to the Lake, it is man's appalling indifference and selfishness that has been the main cause for the steady deterioration of the Lake. The Committee to be set up would do well to pay attention to the sources of pollutants being discharged into the Lake daily. If these sources are not plugged, dredging and restoration would be a waste of money and time as well. The growing menace of pollution and its carriers has raised concerns among all civic-minded citizens countrywide. Besides the Kandy Lake, scenic and historical sites, waterways, forest cover et.al. have not been spared by the mindless and the selfish. It looks so frightening as it seems to be taking an irreversible course. Perhaps when it comes to a halt, there would be nothing left for posterity. D.C. NUGAWELA - Malabe |
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