CMC explains delays in Baseline Road construction work

Newswire reports that Colombo Municipal Council Mayor Vraîe Cally Balthazaar attributed delays in construction along Baseline Road to difficulties finding existing underground infrastructure, including power cables, water pipes, telecommunications lines and stormwater drains. The work is part of two sewerage development projects in Kirulapone and Kirula–Narahenpita, under the Greater Colombo Water and Wastewater Management Improvement Investment Programme.

Newswire reports the projects have a combined investment of approximately Rs. 25 billion. It says the Kirulapone project, valued at about Rs. 14.5 billion, is funded by the Sri Lankan government, while the Kirula–Narahenpita project, valued at about Rs. 10 billion, is supported by the European Investment Bank.

Newswire reports that the projects are intended to collect wastewater from homes through underground networks and carry it to pumping stations for management and safe disposal. The mayor said the CMC has coordinated with the Ceylon Electricity Board, National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Sri Lanka Telecom, Dialog and other providers to identify underground services, but that locating some networks has remained difficult despite technical methods.

Newswire reports that the mayor said excavation cannot safely proceed until the utilities are identified, because accidental damage could interrupt essential services and create safety risks. The CMC aims to complete pipeline construction along Baseline Road by December 2026; the broader sewerage projects are expected to continue beyond then.