The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing
The Minister stated that the Maththegoda lagoon sewerage system is over 40 years old but remains operational, with treated effluent monitored by the NWSDB and CEA, though some components require rehabilitation and funding. He explained that fencing was initiated to prevent unsafe access, heavy-vehicle damage, illegal dumping and accidents, citing a 2023 fatal incident, but the Rs. 7.1 million project has been suspended following public protests until an alternative access route is completed. He added that the contract was awarded through NWSDB tender procedure and that the issue has been discussed with local authorities, police and relevant public representatives.
Verbatim record (translated)
Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, the question relates to the sewerage lagoon system at the Maththegoda Housing Scheme.
¶ 02 (a) (i) According to the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), the Maththegoda and Kalapura housing sewage is treated through this lagoon system. The system is over 40 years old. By letter dated 22.05.1998, the National Housing Development Authority handed over operation and maintenance to the NWSDB. Treated effluent, after chlorination, is discharged in compliance with Central Environmental Authority (CEA) parameters, and both NWSDB and CEA carry out regular monitoring. Hence, the system is not fully defunct.
¶ 03 Certain components require rehabilitation. The NWSDB has prepared designs and estimates and plans to secure necessary funds.
¶ 04 (ii) A fence is being constructed. Residents use the paths across and around the lagoons, including by heavy vehicles. In 2023, a resident fell into a lagoon and died; the post-mortem confirmed infection due to ingress of sewage into the lungs as the cause. Heavy-vehicle movements have weakened the lagoon embankments, and the area is also misused for illegal dumping of sewage and garbage, hampering daily maintenance. As NWSDB maintains the lagoon lands, fencing is being erected to prevent misuse and potential accidents for which NWSDB would otherwise be blamed.
¶ 05 (b) (i) Rs. 7,100,850.00 plus a Provisional Sum of Rs. 1,000,000.00 and 10% contingencies. (ii) Commenced on 30.10.2024; scheduled completion 12.01.2025. However, due to public protests on 12.12.2024 and ensuing issues, works have been suspended per a decision of the Homagama Regional Development Committee until an alternative access is completed. (iii) M/s Meth Construction, No. 261, 10/1, Panchawatta, Himbutana, Angoda. (iv) Yes. The Regional Procurement Committee (RPC-WR) of the NWSDB Water Treatment Division followed due tender procedure. (v) The lower road section around the lagoon has been obstructed by the fence construction. (vi) The matter was discussed at the Regional Coordination Committee and during several field inspections with the participation of Hon. Aruna Panagoda, MP, the Homagama Divisional Secretary, National Housing Development Authority, Homagama Pradeshiya Sabha and Police. An alternative access route has been proposed, and fence works are suspended until that route is completed.
¶ 06 (c) Does not arise.
Provenance
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- Hansard, Friday, 21 February 2025 ·No. 1740809173064396 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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Cite as: The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing. 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 21 February 2025. No. 1740809173064396. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/3637