News
Seized pavements: Vendors occupy pedestrian pathways
View(s):By Dilushi Wijesinghe
A number of shops in Colombo city and surroundings have encroached on portions of the pavement in an unauthorised manner causing a safety hazard to pedestrians.
The Sunday Times witnessed a number of shops along the streets of the Colombo Fort, Panchikawatte, Maligawatta and Kotahena dumping items such as spare parts along the pavement.
Authorities are fighting a losing battle with a number of complaints to the Police and cases being filed, but shopkeepers continue to sell on pavements. Owners of such shops fail to see the risk pedestrians take when stepping onto the road to circumvent the occupied pavement.
In addition to being an eyesore, the safety of pedestrians is at serious risk – especially during the night when there are less lights now – causing them to walk into these piles resulting in injuries.
Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) Commissioner Bhadranie Jayawardhana told the Sunday Times that they have the authority to remove shops that are a hindrance at any given moment. “We can only control the situation” she added. However, there are certain shops that have been granted temporary permits where a sum is collected by the CMC. She added that they have made sure these shops have been established in locations that pose less safety hazards. The permission granted is in favour of the low-income community.
Pix by Akila Jayawardana
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