• Contractors face ‘Defaulted Contractor’ status after three larvae detections
• Air Force drones deployed to identify hidden mosquito breeding sites
• Over 8,000 legal actions filed this year as dengue cases top 63,800

Construction companies repeatedly found violating dengue prevention measures risk being blacklisted, with the Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA) warning that contractors could be declared "Defaulted Contractors" if dengue mosquito larvae are detected at their sites on three occasions.

CIDA sources told The Daily Morning yesterday (8) that the Authority had strengthened dengue prevention measures within the construction industry following concerns raised several years ago that construction sites were contributing significantly to mosquito breeding. In some areas, construction sites accounted for around 40 per cent of dengue larvae breeding, prompting stricter preventive measures.

As part of these measures, CIDA has incorporated dengue prevention requirements into its standard documentation for building projects. Under the Preliminary Bill for Building Works, employers are required to allocate funds specifically for dengue prevention activities at construction sites.

Sources said the measures were introduced in line with policy directives issued by the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) and the then Construction Ministry, and remain in force.

A committee comprising representatives of the CIDA, the NDCU, the Police and the Environment Ministry conducts inspections of construction sites and monitors compliance with dengue control measures. Where shortcomings are identified, contractors are directed to rectify them. However, those who repeatedly fail to comply face disciplinary action.

Sources explained that if Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) detect dengue mosquito larvae at the same construction site on three occasions, the matter can be referred to the CIDA's disciplinary committee. Following an inquiry, the contractor may be listed as a "Defaulted Contractor" under the CIDA's regulatory framework.

"In addition to site inspections, construction projects are required to submit monthly records indicating whether PHIs have issued any red notices relating to dengue control," they said.

According to sources, no red notices have been issued against construction sites in recent months, although the industry faced allegations over mosquito breeding at several sites about three years ago. They added that the Authority continues to work with relevant agencies to ensure construction sites do not become breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes, particularly as the country battles rising dengue cases.

Meanwhile, Acting Director of the NDCU, Dr Kapila Kannangara, told The Daily Morning that hidden mosquito breeding sites on rooftops of high-rise buildings, apartment complexes and construction sites had prompted the Air Force to deploy drones to assist health authorities in detecting areas inaccessible to ground inspections.

The drone surveillance programme, which began within the Colombo Municipal Council limits, has now been extended to Kalutara, Bandaragama and Ingiriya, where inspections are continuing to identify concealed breeding sites on elevated structures.

Dr Kannangara said any location where rainwater is allowed to collect has the potential to become a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes, including both active construction sites and completed buildings.

Construction sites are particularly vulnerable when water accumulates on unfinished concrete slabs, lift shafts and other structures without proper drainage. However, completed apartment buildings also pose a risk if rooftop slabs, blocked drainage outlets or poorly maintained water tanks allow stagnant water to collect.

He noted that determining the exact number of construction sites nationwide remained difficult, as the information would have to be gathered from numerous Divisional Secretariats. He stressed that the problem was not confined to construction sites alone, pointing out that many high-rise apartment buildings have rooftop slabs, water tanks and other structures that can become mosquito breeding grounds if drainage systems are poorly maintained.

He emphasised that rainwater should be able to drain freely from concrete slabs, warning that blocked drainage outlets can leave stagnant water for several days, creating ideal breeding conditions. He said this was one of the key reasons for seeking the Air Force's assistance.

Meanwhile, the Public Health Inspectors' Union (PHIU) said legal action had been initiated against more than 8,000 houses and institutions so far this year for allowing dengue breeding grounds, blaming declining public vigilance for the current surge in cases.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, PHIU Secretary Chamil Muthukuda said PHIs, together with the NDCU, were continuing dengue prevention programmes and inspections to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

"Usually, during the monsoon period, dengue spreads across the country. Yet this time there is a surge due to several reasons," he said.

Muthukuda said public interest in dengue prevention had declined after cases reduced in recent years. He added that changing weather patterns, with intermittent rainfall followed by high daytime temperatures, had created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. Improper garbage disposal also remained a major concern, while the emergence of a dengue strain with a higher transmission rate had contributed significantly to the outbreak.

He also noted that the University of Moratuwa and the University of the Visual and Performing Arts were currently closed due to dengue outbreaks.

Elsewhere, the number of dengue-related deaths reported this year has risen to 42, according to Dr Kannangara.

He said 63,835 dengue cases had been reported nationwide as of Tuesday (7), including 8,450 cases recorded in July alone. Special dengue prevention campaigns would continue in the coming days to curb the spread of the disease.

The Western Province accounts for 52.4 per cent of all reported infections. Among the districts, Colombo has recorded the highest number of cases (12,663), followed by Gampaha (12,582) and Kalutara (4,191).