Having read the article “Hiyare’s Little Haven” (Sunday Times, September 13), I thought I should write about what I saw when I visited “the little haven”, in the company of the charming Anusha Madhura de Silva, president of the Wildlife Conservation Society of Galle.
There is a reservoir 55 acres in extent, built in 1911 by the Public Works Department, when D. J. Wimalasurendra (architect of the Laxapana hydroelectric scheme) was the district engineer.
For years this reservoir met the water requirements of the Galle town population. Because the reservoir is on high ground, the water is delivered with the help of gravitational force, without the need to use electric pumps. The reservoir is still in good condition.
At present, water is obtained from the Gin Ganga, in Wakwella, at a colossal cost. Very soon, because of global warming, this water will become saline.
It would be a wise investment and a consolation for the people of Galle if the authorities explored the possibilities of restoring this reservoir to its former glory.
P. A. Binduhewa, Panadura. |
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