Residents in the area are expressing their dissatisfaction with the recent repairs to the root of an old mara tree at the Yakkatuwa-Mapalagama junction on the Yakkatuwa-Mapalagama road in Elpitiya. About three weeks ago, repairs were done, but the root remains at a corner of the road, and a peculiar carpeting job was carried out around it.
Local residents report that the government allocated 140 million rupees to carpet 10 kilometres of road from Atkadura. They criticize this as an example of substandard work being done with public funds.
The carpeting was performed while the root of an old mara tree at the Tanabaddegama junction protruded about 6 furlongs above the road surface, creating a hazard for motorists, including motorcyclists.
The Talgaswala Road Works Unit, responsible for maintaining the Yakkatuwa-Mapalagama main road under the Ministry of Highways, has been accused by residents of not meeting proper standards in their road work.
The rural community has urged the Ministry of Highways to allocate the 140 million rupees for properly repairing the roads that were addressed three weeks ago and to prioritize roads that are in severe disrepair.
When approached for comment, Mr. Vipula Wickramanayake, Executive Engineer of the Talgaswala Highway Work Unit, stated:
“140 million has been allocated for the 10 kilometers of this road, and repair work has already commenced. If a tree root has been left and the carpet laid around it, I will address the issue immediately.”
