Letters to the editor

The rapid deterioration of the basic services provided to the residents of Kolonnawa by the Urban Council and other authorities is causing anxiety. What is distressing is that despite the inconvenience caused to ratepayers, this seems to be of little concern to the authorities. Road maintenance is afforded low priority. Roads are not levelled and are dotted with huge pot –holes and covered with slime at certain spots. Apart from the damage and wear and tear to vehicles, it is a positive driving hazard.

Furthermore numerous houses and shops have been constructed protruding onto the road making it difficult for vehicles to pass and for residents to even walk on the pavements. Nothing has been done about most of these unauthorized structures. In Kolonnawa most roads have up to date not been given name boards. Another frustrating experience residents have to face is the non collection of garbage. In most instances garbage bags are left rotting and stinking for days. Kolonnawa is also plagued by mosquitoes. Systematic spraying is not done despite the health authorities regularly warning of Malaria and Dengue.

The ratepayers find it difficult to understand the indifference of the authorities. Will Kolonnawa continue to receive the Cinderella treatment it has always received? Are not the ratepayers entitled to expect the basic facilities? And conveniences? Telephone calls and letters to the Urban Council and related authorities have been of little effect and nobody apparently cares.