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Residents cry foul over three-year-old Beruwala UC garbage dump
View(s):Pix and text by Thusitha Kumara de Silva
A large garbage heap that has been accumulating within the Beruwala Urban Council grounds for nearly three years is posing a serious health and environmental hazard, area residents say.
A strong stench emanates from the dump day and night and since the waste has been dumped on one side of the Urban Council premises itself, both the public visiting the council for services and council employees are forced to endure the foul smell.
Deputy Mayor Wimalasiri Silva
People living in the vicinity of the Urban Council have urged authorities to remove the garbage without delay and to introduce a permanent and sustainable waste management solution.
They point out that the liquid waste seeping from the garbage heap is being channelled into a nearby canal after drains were cut. They allege that this polluted water eventually flows into the Beruwala fisheries harbour, raising concerns about marine pollution and the possible impact on the livelihoods of fishermen.
Several residents described it as a long-standing problem that has not been adequately addressed, despite repeated complaints to the authorities.
Deputy Mayor Wimalasiri Silva acknowledged that the garbage issue has become a serious concern and said discussions are underway to find a solution.
Beruwala UC Chairman Mohamed Maba Seem
Meanwhile, Beruwala Urban Council Chairman Mohamed Maba Seem speaking at the council auditorium said the local authority is aware of the situation and that steps are being considered to clear the accumulated waste and prevent future dumping within the premises.
However, residents say they are yet to see any tangible action and are calling for immediate intervention to safeguard public health and protect the surrounding environment.
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