Absence of bridge threatens farmers' lives

COLOMBO (News1st): For decades, farmers of Athungoda in Karuwalagaswewa have been risking their lives while making trips to their paddy fields. The absence of a bridge to cross over the Kitha Ela river that stems out from the Mi Oya has made the journey a matter of life or death, farmers complain. The journey becomes more arduous during the rainy season or even at times of heavy downpours. Following the collapse of a vine bridge, the desperate residents of Athungoda - home to 300 farming families - resorted to constructing a makeshift bridge. But they now face difficulties in installing the bridge due to the lack of iron rods required to be used as hangers. For the farmers of Athungoda, their only request is for a permanent bridge - a plea that has fallen to deaf ears of representatives elected to power by the people.