To minimize flood damages:

Govt to clean canals, environs

Rasika Somarathna

Authorities are to remove all unauthorized structures near canals and drains to properly reconstruct and maintain them to prevent the Colombo city and suburbs from flooding during heavy rains.

Disaster Management Minister A H M Fowzie said that officials have been instructed to remove all the minor unauthorized structures with immediate effect.

Legal advice would be sought if there are any large-scale unauthorized structures including houses. All measures would be taken to strictly prevent encroachment in such areas, he added.

Authorities during the weekend cleared several unauthorized structures in the Panadura area. They also conducted a special 'Shramadana' in the Colombo area to clean canals and drains.

Minister Fowzie said yesterday that both campaigns would continue on a regular basis.

Another move considered by authorities to prevent the city from flooding is having man-made lakes in the city suburbs.

Minister Fowzie said that officials had identified three viable locations closer to the city for this and would begin work after feasibility studies conclude.

The latest efforts by authorities to mitigate flood effects comes in the wake of Thursday's deluge which left most parts of the City and the Western Province under water.

The 440 mm rain fall considered as the highest in 18 years displaced more than 200,000 and caused extensive damage to property.

Minister Fowzie said all people who sought shelter in Government sponsored temporary locations had returned home. Assistance had been provided during the time of displacement and their future needs would be looked at, he added.