Surplus budget in flooded city

By Lakwimashi Perera

The Colombo Municipal Council budget for next year has a surplus of Rs 2 million but unlike the national budget, no one is interested even though Colombo’s roads get flooded after any slight shower and many are annoyed by the services.

The budget was open for public inspection from November 6 to 15 before approval by the council on December 13-14, as per the requirement in the law. “Not many people are interested in the budget. Only 3 or 4 people come to see it on a given year,” a spokesman from CMC’s Treasurer’s Department said.

Projected revenue in the 2007 budget is Rs 5322 million while projected expenditure is Rs 5320 million. The biggest allocation is for solid waste management - Rs 976 million, road rehabilitation and maintenance - Rs 899 million and drainage, sewerage and storm water - Rs 599 million.

The CMC 2006 budget had a surplus of about Rs 600,000. Residents are unhappy with the services. “What’s the use of looking at the budget when they don’t do anything well,” said one Colombo resident.

Major problems include garbage collection, heavy flooding and overflowing drainage. Sham Nawaz, former Municipal Councillor and Chief Officer to the Mayor of Colombo said measures are being taken to solve these problems. According to Nawaz flood control and solid waste control have been given priority in the budget. “We are very keen on improving them” he said.