The public of Bope-Poddala Pradesheeya Sabha (PS) are making full use of the opportunity granted to them to submit their views and suggestions for the 2014 budget. Seventy five proposals relating to numerous development activities have been submitted by the public, according to PS chairman, Chanaka Sampath Madugoda.
This is in direct response to the decisions made at the first TISL workshop on public participation in the affairs of the pradesheeya sabha after co-opting the Bope-Poddala PS from 4 November 2013 to the TISL programme on good governance in local authorities. The acceptance by the PS chairman and the staff to allow such public participation paved the way for such enthusiasm by the public.
There were over 70 participants representing senior citizens, community development and other voluntary organisations.
Commenting on the public response, the chairman said that a large number of valuable suggestions have been received from the public who expressed their appreciation for inviting them before the staff to discuss the budget. “This was a new experience to us also. The suggestions made by the public will be discussed by the members and we hope to act responsibly,” he said.
The suggestions cover a wide range of topics. Among them were the fixing of street lamps where they are not available at present, a new building for a public library, improving playgrounds, an efficient system of garbage collection, taking over of cemeteries by the PS, building of new community halls, fixing name boards for roads, construction of drains, establishment of a pre-school in the English medium, and development of roads and by-lanes.