Nordic cure for 'pit syndrome'

One of the main through fares in Colombo is suffering from what can best be described as a 'pit syndrome'. Darley Road is used by many motorists to get to Maradana, the famous McCallum Road book stores etc.. More importantly it home to three major institutions namely the Fire Brigade Headquarters, St. Joseph's College and Millenium Park. In addition there are numerous offices and shops.

The rot literally started some months ago when an underground pipe line burst and a 20 foot crater appeared suddenly to horror of some passengers who travellng in bus at the time. Since then a number of pits have opened up. When the first incident occurred The President called in the RDA and the problem was sorted out. Fortunately or unfortunately this road is under the purview of the Colombo Municipal Council. These pits are not just ordinary potholes, which are omnipresent on practically every road in Colombo. They are much deeper. They are also man made.

There is a sewer line that runs underneath the road. This line is more than 100 years old. After the first burst, bell started ringing. And they were not in the Fire Brigade. Commuters and property holders alike, wanted action taken. Foreign funds were obtained by the Water Board. Thus the repair started.

ST! spoke to S. Gunasekera who happens to be Director Engineering overseeing sewer control at the Colombo Municipal Council. He said; "We are using a new system called Nordic Technology to strengthen this line. The line runs from Polwatte to Madampitiya. In the past the whole road had to be dug up to strengthen a line. With this technology that is not necessary. We dig pits at strategic points. Through those pits we send the pipes to fortify the old line. We choose the places carefully in order to avoid traffic congestion. And by sometime next year the project will be completed."

However, despite the good intentions of CMC, traffic does get congested especially during peak time and school time.

SSP Lucky Peiris the Director of Traffic Administration and Road Safety said that the public should be more civic. He pointed out that what was being would increase the safety factor of commuters and pedestrians alike. "This road had to be redone. The public is aware of it. At peak times there will be traffic congestion. But motorists themselves can avoid getting in to a jam. Before a project like this is undertaken the relevant authority has to inform that repairs will be done over the specific period of time. Secondly safety measures re introduced like lamps to alert motorists that the road is being repaired especially at night. Now since the motorist knows that repairs are taking place, he or she should try to find an alternate route. However, I say they have to use that specific road, and then they should take into consideration the possibility of traffic congestion. For example if a parent is taking his or her child to St. Joseph's, they should arrive at the place earlier than they usually do. By doing this traffic congestion would ease," said Peiris in conclusion.

So there you have it. It is your choice. Burn fuel and clog up the road. Or do everyone a favour and use an alternate route.