brand logo

Flood mitigation: Galle project nearing completion 

02 Apr 2022

By Uwin Lugoda The Government’s flood mitigation attempt in the tourism-driven city of Galle is inching towards completion, via the construction of canals and bridges. Following the commencement of the Government’s mega-development in Galle, which is aimed at uplifting the lives of communities in and around the city, the Galle Municipal Council has begun measures to mitigate flooding.  According to the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, the construction of these canals is being done under the instructions given by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. “As the Minister in charge of Urban Development and Housing, several development projects have been completed in the Galle District on the instructions of the Prime Minister. He instructed the Urban Development Authority (UDA), under which this is being implemented, to take immediate action to control the floods and create a healthier environment within the city,” said Ministry Media Spokesperson Prasad Manju, speaking to The Sunday Morning. The project is also being implemented by the Land Development Corporation of Sri Lanka (LRDC) based on the ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ policy statement of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The project consists of two parts – the reconstruction of the Moragoda Main Canal and the Milidduwa Bridge across the Moragoda Canal. Manju stated that the main project out of the two was the Moragoda Main Canal Project – a major canal consisting of many large and small canals. It is also the drainage system of the Galle municipal area and consists of a network of wetlands. He explained that the city’s drainage system comprised two canals and a cut-off canal and was one of the three water bodies, Moragoda Ela, Moda Ela and Kapu Ela. The canal also collects all the bypass systems, streams, excess sewage, and sewage on both sides of the road, with the collected water flowing into the sea through it. “The Prime Minister instructed the UDA and the LRDC to repair the Moragoda canal and all the by-roads and drains connected to it which were overflowing due to lack of proper repairs. He further asked the two organisations to take necessary steps to control the flooding of the city expeditiously.” This main Moragoda canal flows through nine Grama Niladhari Divisions within the city of Galle. Accordingly, the canal which starts from Bope – Poddala Divisional Secretariat will pass through Dedduwa North, Dedduwa South, Madawalamulla South, Dangedara East, Milidduwa, Maligaspe, Makuluwa, Pettigalawatta, and Magalla Grama Niladhari Divisions and reach the sea near the Magalla Fisheries Harbor. The Moragoda canal is 8.5 km long. Manju stated that the reconstruction work would be carried out on a 4.3 km stretch of the Galle Municipal Council boundary from Kahaduwawatta to Magalla. He explained that the main objective was to reduce floods in the Galle Municipal Council area. The other purpose of this development project is to prevent the discharge of solid waste and the discharge of wastewater and sewage from directly seeping into the canal. Therefore, the development will include the removal of barriers, making the canal a safety zone. Other objectives of the development include facilitating the canal’s operation and maintenance, improving canal drainage, and eventually improving the quality of life of the communities within these respective areas. The Moragoda canal development project commenced in the latter half of 2020 and is now reaching completion, with an estimated cost of Rs. 590 million. Meanwhile, the construction of the Milidduwa Bridge cost a total of Rs. 119 million, with its work commencing on 1 December 2020 and reaching completion on 31 December 2021. Manju stated that the reconstruction of the Milidduwa Bridge across the Moragoda Canal was the second phase of the project, under which the UDA planned to control flooding and alleviate any inconveniences caused to the public. This development included the renovation of the existing Milidduwa bridge which has a total length of 15.5 m and width of 13.5 m. According to Manju, this development project will have many benefits for residents of Galle, including both public and economic convenience. He further opined that the project would add an aesthetic value to the city, while also increasing the surrounding land value and public security.  


More News..