Water leak everywhere and not a drop to drink! (with sincere apologies to S T Coleridge)
It was around 10.pm, walking down Jetawana Road on my way home to Layard’s Broadway, that I noticed water oozing out from the pavement which had been renovated recently by interlocking bricks. When I reached home, I called 1939 and made a complaint regarding the leak specifying the location. I received an acknowledgement instantly through SMS to my mobile phone thus –
‘Your complaint submitted to the relevant officer for action. Please call 0777 708410 for any inquiry, quote ref. no. 490523. Thank you! NWSDB’
The exact location of the leak was on the pavement adjoining the showroom marketing electrical items belonging to an upmarket vehicle importing prestigious company, (Diesel & Motor Engineering Company Ltd.), opposite the Isurudisi building and the Jetawana Temple.
The following day after the early morning prayer at Al Ma’hadul Bukhariyul Kadirie Thakiya mosque, 178, Layard’s Broadway, Colombo 14, I was surprised to see water leaking through the pavement very close to the entrance to the above mosque. When I inquired from the caretaker of the mosque, he told me that in response to his complaint, the Water Board workers had visited the place but left without attending to the necessary repairs, the excuse being that they do not have the required equipment!!!
It is ironical when Water Day is being celebrated , the above leaks have not been attended to, as of today.
To let water leak, without attending to it - Is this the Water Board’s way to mark Water Day 2017?
Mohamed Zahran
Colombo 14