Another waste of Government funds

COLOMBO (News1st) - The fly ash released from the Lakwijaya coal power plant in Norochcholai has a massive impact on the surrounding environment. When News1st inquired into the matter, the North Western province Environmental authority stated that they require more time to come up with a viable solution to the fly ash issue. The impact fly ash has had on the environment can be seen clearly in  Narakkalliya, Manpuriya, and Illanthadiya in the Puttalam district. Drinking water, property, and the entire surrounding environment have been covered with ash. The Electricity board is currently in the process of installing a wind barrier and a water sprinkler system, with the hope that this would allow them to control the spread of fly ash in the area. The foundation stone for the construction of this wind barrier which is 1200 meters in length and 15 meters high, was laid on the 22nd of last month. The cost of the project due to be completed in 2 years is Rs. 750 million. However this project has also been delayed due to the lack of an environmental feasibility report and the failure to follow proper procedures. Speaking to News 1st former Pradeshiya Sabha Member of the Kalpitiya PS M.C. Alexander said the Moratuwa University has said that the wind barrier must be constructed at a height of 30 meters. He added that the mountain of coal has reached a height of 15 meters and described the project as a waste of Government money. Even though News 1st reported on this matter on several occasions, those reports fell on deaf ears. Now the general public in the area, are facing hardships as a result. Who should be held accountable for carrying out projects that cost millions of rupees without yielding any results? The subject minister, the secretary to the ministry nor the engineering trade unions of the CEB will take the responsibility for these wasteful actions. At the end of the day, the general public is made to bear the costs of these profligate activities.

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