CMA faces problems in waste disposal, water supply

by P. Krishnaswamy

The efficient disposal of liquid and solid waste as well as the water supply were major problems the Condominium Management Authority (CMA) was facing in respect of the 46 state implemented housing schemes in the City and its suburbs, CMA General Manager, Athula Wimalaratne, told the Daily News.

The CMA was unable to competently handle these three vital areas mainly due to non-co-operation of inmates of housing units, he said. About 30,000 families are living in state sponsored housing projects in Colombo and its suburbs and proper handling of liquid and solid waste and unimpeded supply of water were vital for their hygienic well-being, Wimalaratne said. CMA is working on creating an awareness among them, he said.

Inmates of housing projects should maintain a "certain discipline with regard to disposal of waste" to avert health hazards and environmental pollution. They should also unite by forming 'Management Corporation', which are legal bodies, to have their grievances and problems addressed by the CMA, he said. If they hold periodical meetings regularly to discuss their problems and grievances, CMA can guide and regulate such meetings and also assist, he said.

Explaining the reasons and "wrong attitudes" of occupants that led to the deteriorating condition with regard to waste disposal and water supply, the CMA General Manager said: "Chutes for disposal of garbage was provided in all housing projects but they were blocked due to construction of unauthorised structures, illegal alterations of the units and misuse of common areas. Both the water supply and liquid disposal system have also been impeded due to the same reason.

Maintenance people and cleaners are unable to reach the gulleys, down pipes and drainage lines owing to these reasons. Water tanks and sumps for preserving water have also been damaged by the occupants.

50 per cent of inmates are already owners of the property and do not seem to understand the concept of condominium property which includes common elements and common properties. Under the program proposed by the CMA, they would be expected to contribute to improve their existing conditions.

"They now throw garbage from upper floors to the open space on the ground making it to rot and cause insanitary. The CMA tried introducing garbage bins but the people are not using them.

"Furthermore, there is no co-ordination between the unit owners, CMA, MC, UDA and the NHDA."