Fear of life expressed over Weganga tunnel leak

• The water leak that started about two weeks ago has worsened 
• The walls in the bund have developed cracks on either side

By Lasantha Niroshan  

Several families living in the low lying area of the Weganga private sector hydropower plant in Kahawatta are living in constant fear of any possible danger to their life due to a leak in the tunnel.   

They pointed out that they informed it to the relevant authorities but to no avail. They said they requested the officials in charge of the power plant to control the release of water through the tunnel to reduce the pressure.   

A resident of the area living near Kahawatta said the water leak that broke out during the recent floods had now worsened.   

 “Five families are living in the low lying area of the tunnel way. We have spent many sleepless nights during heavy rain. The water leak that started about two weeks ago has worsened.

The walls in the bund have developed cracks on either side. We have informed the Ratnapura District Disaster Management Centre and the Grama Niladhari area about the impending danger,” she said.   

Another resident of the area pointed out that when the Weganga swelled during heavy rainfall in Balangoda area, the pressure during release of water increased and that it posed a serious danger to the people and that the authorities should pay immediate attention to it.   

Meanwhile, a senior official of the Weganga hydropower complex said he had received several complaints in this regard and that he referred them to the administration.