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Unprotected pond a death trap at Dehiwala Zoo
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The virtual death trap protected by corrugated sheeting. Pic by Susantha Liyanawatte
A pond some 30 metres in depth, inside the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens that borders Quarry Road, is a virtual death trap following the collapse of the protective wall several months ago, posing a serious danger to unsuspecting motorists. A makeshift protective barrier made up of corrugated sheeting has replaced the wall as a temporary measure, but residents and road users in the area say the barrier would not prevent a motorist from crashing through it and landing in the slime covered pond.
In addition, the road in this particular area is very poorly lit at night, and this apology of a barrier is hardly visible.Residents said that, several months ago, a huge tree crashed into the pond and disappeared into it, indicating its alarming depth. A motorist landing into this pond will have no chance of survival, they added.
They said that the Zoo and other relevant authorities had been repeatedly informed of the danger, with no response to date.
The pond is teeming with fish, which feeds the many birds in the zoo. Zoo Director Anura De Silva is aware of the danger and told the Sunday Times that the Provincial Road Development Authority (PRDA) has been alerted to the issue and that the matter will be addressed shortly. (LB)