Ponds to prevent floods - Fowzie

Sri Lanka’s president decided to construct ponds in wetlands to avoid flash floods in future says the Disaster Management minister A.H.M. Fowzie.

Speaking to BBC Sandeshaya minister Fowzie said that the government is trying to implement tough laws against illegal constructions in wetlands and on waterways.

According to minster Fowzie most of the illegal and unplanned developments were taken place twenty to twenty five years ago.

National issue

“Due to these constructions water remains on the roads creating flash floods” said the minister.

The government blamed the heavy rainfall and obstruction of water drainage systems for flooding in capital Colombo.

Minister Fowzie said that unplanned and illegal construction is a national issue.

“We are removing people from unplanned illegal developments but legal process is time consuming” he added.

More than half a million people are displaced in recent flash floods in many cities including capital Colombo.

^BBC