Greener, cleaner cities as investment draw

*More open spaces in cities

*Govt to tap development potential to fullest

Sandasen MARASINGHE

The government has taken measures to make full use of the country’s development potential and to make it one of the fastest growing economies in the world through the overhaul of existing infrastructure and effecting a facelift to the cities that would attract more tourists and foreign investment, Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said.

He said there was massive investment potential from creating and maintaining greener, cleaner cities with more public open spaces for people to enjoy, and by improving the infrastructure available within urban spaces.

He made this observation as the Chief Guest at the annual sessions of the Institute of Environmental Professionals, Sri Lanka, at Water’s Edge under the theme of Urban Regeneration and Environmental Balance. He said provided that the standards of the cities can be improved, and a better working environment as well as better facilities for families to spend their leisure time can be provided, Sri Lanka will not be able to attract more tourists, draw in even more foreign and local investment, and invite more expatriate families to return to the country. “It is with all of this in mind that the government has taken a great deal of effort to improve the standards of Colombo, its suburbs, and other key cities around the country.”

The many projects undertaken over the last three years and the five year long Metro Colombo Urban Development Project addresses a number of issues that have long plagued the city, he said.

It will address flooding, drainage issues including its micro drainage channels, primary and secondary canals and lakes and they will be improved. The long neglected Beira Lake will be completely rehabilitated. He said pollution caused by unauthorised settlements and buildings will be addressed.

“Once the project is completed, the Beira Lake will be transformed from its present state to a worthy centrepiece for a revitalised city,” the Defence Secretary said.

He said development near Water’s Edge, together with the work carried out at Diyawanna Oya, has been extremely popular, and thousands of people use and enjoy the facilities that have been provided on a daily basis. He also added that a number of new lakes have been created in the surrounding areas.

He said that under the Resettlement of Underserved Settlements Project being undertaken by the Urban Development Authority, some 70,000 families living in poor conditions in Colombo will be given housing in high rise buildings designed and constructed to a good standard.

He said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa himself has ordered the Road Development Authority to build drains and walkways along the roads that they develop, which will make the roadways much safe and more pleasant for pedestrians. It is the duty of all our citizens to use these facilities properly. He also said that in a recent newspaper article in Singapore, a visitor to Sri Lanka has praised the fact that there was no litter on the streets, even in the area around the busy central railway station which is a great compliment to our recent progress.

“Even the civic consciousness of our people has been improved through public education programmes on the importance of keeping the city clean” Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said “This is something to be truly proud of” Secretary Defence further said that although the projects to create more public open spaces have been extremely successful, it is also important to have proper mechanisms to ensure the maintenance of these spaces and other public facilities in the long term.

He added that this was an area in which the civil society, Service oriented social organisations, as well as interest based associations and Non Governmental Organisations should take an interest in.

He added that the organisations such as the Institute of Environmental Professionals will be able to contribute positively to these efforts by providing much needed input to the on-going public discourse.