By Lal Gunasekera
The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) is on a collision course with the Urban Development Authority (UDA) over an attempt by the latter to acquire the Manning Market in Pettah. Colombo Mayor A. J. M. Muzammil alleges that the government is taking over CMC properties under the guise of development.
An irate Muzammil told The Island that he would resist the UDA move to take over the five-acre plot of land. He urged the government not to deprive the public of an opportunity to purchase vegetables, fruits et al at competitive prices. The UNPer alleged that the government was trying to force traders out of the city.
If the government went ahead with its plan, it would deprive traders of their livelihood and consumers of a fair deal, said the Mayor.
Muzammil said that the Manning Market was a landmark in the City and it should not be demolished by the UDA on the pretext of development and beautification of the city.
Muzammil added that assessment rates for next year (2012) in residential and commercial areas would be revised. He said that ratepayers should make payments on time as funds were needed to develop the city.
Responding to a query, Muzammil said that those unhappy with new rates could appeal to the council. He said that the CMC was struggling due to failure on the part of the taxpayers and some institutions to pay what they owed the council.
Municipal Assessor, Mrs. Jayasekera told ‘The Island’ that 10 wards had been identified where assessment tax was to be revised in residential and commercial establishments, including the Cinnamon Gardens, Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya, Kirilapone, Pamankada and Colombo 5 areas.
http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=40690
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