News
Colombo’s dilapidated floating market
The electricity supply to a number of shops and eateries have been disconnected
Colombo’s floating market shopping complex has not maintained over the past years, with many a shopkeeper being forced to shut down their bussiness.
The floating market complex –a brainchild of then Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa- was initially opened as part of Colombo’s beautification project in 2014.
The market however, lies in a disreputable state. The water in the canal has turned green and often smells of rotten eggs. Not surprisingly people no longer frequent the market due to its unhygenic state and no one dines at its restaurants.
Most of the shops are now closed due to poor maintenance. In some of the shops showcases are broken. In others the electricity supply has been disconnected.
The market has become ‘home’ to homeless people. Beggars often use the benches as beds.
A restroom named “Kolomba Gedara” served as a toilet for the area, but the previous regime sold it.
A shopkeeper said the lack of toilet facilities keeps the people away from the market, and the neighbouring rail track is often used by anti social elements as a urinal.
Though a few Swan boats are still available, members of the public avoid paddling in the polluted water.
It is time authorities took action to renovate the floating market and restore it to its former glory.
Once part of Colombo’s beautification project the Floating Market Complex now stands (floats?) decrepit and deserted
A number of Swan boats lie idle, as no one dares paddle in the polluted waters of the canal
Many of the shops have gone to wrack and ruin
The market has become home and refuge to Colombo’s beggar population