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Heavily degraded canal carries septic and domestic waste
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PHI P.G.C.N.D. Chandraratne
By Kasun Warakapitiya
The longest canal within Colombo city, St. Sebastian Canal, which was built by the Dutch, has become a garbage dump site. The canal, which connects to Beira Lake and Kelani River, is heavily polluted and is a health hazard, people say.
The canal, which flows through densely populated areas and is next to public places such as the Supreme Court Complex, traffic police headquarters, floating market, private bus stand, and the post office parcel department, could adversely impact human health.
People walking near the floating market area can see the green algae-grown water and smell the foul odour. The worst accumulation of waste is near the post office parcel department.
The Sunday Timesobserved that plastic bottles and bags, discarded cans, and waste had accumulated at the canal’s segment that connects to the floating market area.
Dr. Pathum Kodikara
There was even a raft made out of floating plastic panels, which was used to remove garbage, yet it appeared unused as well. The water smelt foul and had a heavy accumulation of algae covering.
Public Health Inspector (PHI) P.G.C.N.D. Chandararatne explained that the garbage thrown into the canal accumulates in the narrow canal area, which connects to the St. Sebastian pumping station.
He said that since the water level remained below the huge two pipes, the garbage that had fallen into the floating markets washed into the area.
“The pumping station is operated to minimise floods during heavy rains. When it is used, the garbage will wash away towards Beira Lake,” he said.
He said he reported his observations to the Medical Officer of Health office in District 2A.
The canal comes under the preview of the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation.
District 2A MOH Dr. Pathum Kodikara told the Sunday Times that he sent a letter to the chairman of the Land Reclamation and Development Corporation through the chief medical officer of the Colombo Municipal Council on September 24.
In his letter, he mentioned observations made by PHI Mr. Chandararatne and others during a field visit and had given recommendations to the corporation.
The letter said that the Sebastian Canal near No. 343, Olcott Mawatha, has an accumulation of plastic and plant matter causing a public nuisance and has become a breeding area for mosquitoes.
It also pointed out that the location is in a populated area—Colombo Fort, residential apartments, the Deputy Inspector General’s office, and the Maradana Technical College.
K .Kumar
Dr. Kodikara added that a request was made to the Land Reclamation and Development Corporation urging it to clear the garbage and work out a long-term solution to stop the accumulation of waste in certain areas of the canal.
Mohomad alwi
Mudali Muruga, 55, a security guard at the post office parcel department, showed the scratch marks on his arms to complain about mosquitoes.
He added the canal had become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and the stench of waste was putting him off from having his meals.
A resident near St. Sebastian Road, driver Mohamed Alawi, 58, said that there are those who throw garbage and even dispose of their sewage and kitchen sink water into the canal.
He said that on days when the municipality does not collect household garbage, some throw their waste into the canal.
“The biggest concern is the mosquito-borne diseases. My daughter once suffered from dengue. The canal must be cleaned regularly; otherwise, our children’s health is at risk,” he said.
K. Kumar, a racer wheel seller on Sebastian Road towards the Panchikawatta side, explained that the Land Reclamation authorities cleaned the canal once in six months, but that was not enough.
Several attempts were made to contact the deputy general manager of Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation, but he was unavailable for comment.
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