Dehiwala-Mt. Lavinia Municipal Council failing badly

Wednesday, 20 November 2013 10:33 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

At the time the then Urban Council or UC was upgraded to a Municipal Council (MC), it was one of the best run local authorities. However, sadly, instead of making things better, this elevation only resulted in a gradual decline of services to rate payers. Party made no difference. Under UNP as well as SLFP, it was a question of where to bend the rule to accommodate one’s cronies. That said, the present PA turned UNP mayor and his officers in the planning departments are now not only bending rules but blatantly breaking established rules and regulations to favour selected property developers ignoring even UDA regulations. Some of these violations are: Permitting high rise constructions without the minimum specified land area and road width Permitting condominiums developers to routinely exceed the specified number of storeys permitted Total neglect of roads on the seaside which are full of pot holes, damaged culverts and blocked drains It is clear that the entire structure has been corrupted with the rate payer not knowing whom to turn to. Under the earlier system there was a MMC elected by voters in each area with whom complaints could be lodged. But with the cursed preferential voting system, we do not know who represents us except for the posters which appear when an election nears. In the meantime, rights of residents to their privacy, health and convenience are seriously violated with no one accountable. We call upon the mayor to at least now take a serious view and take necessary action to protect rate payers’ rights. Unless strong and urgent action is taken to stop malpractices in the DMMC, the PA and their cronies will be kicked out at the forthcoming local govt. elections. Yours faithfully Terrance P. Gunewardena