New shops for 550 displaced Colombo street hawkers

Rafik Jalaldeen

The Government has taken steps to build 550 shops and stalls for the street hawkers who were displaced in the Colombo city. The CMC has laid down foundation to build the shops in Bodhiraja Mawatha yesterday morning. A large number of street hawkers in the Colombo city were removed by police in April as part of the face lift for Colombo city and its suburbs.

CMC Special Commissioner Omar Kamil told the Daily News that Western Province Governor Alavi Mowlana laid the foundation to build shops and stalls for the street hawkers who were displaced. The shops will be constructed along the main Road at Bodhiraja Mawatha to help them continue their business.

“Steel structure shops will be constructed under this projects. Around 550 displaced traders can be accommodated at this place,” he added.

He said pending to the super structure of shops, the traders will be granted temporary shops in the Adisiyapara Road along Bodhiraja Mawatha-Sounders Street.

Kamil reiterated that the first step is to provide a place for the traders to carry out their lost business and earn their living. The second step is to provide them with a permanent place inclusive of essential facilities. These large steel covered shops will be most safe and unique for the traders, he added. Initial payment of Rs. 50,000 will be collected from each trader. The money will be utilized for the construction of 550 shops. Besides, Rs.4,500 will be collected monthly from each trader.

The shops and stalls will be built on the instructions of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.