Unions want sanitation facilities under railway control
While Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma recently laid the foundation stone for the proposed dormitory for train and bus commuters in Colombo, the pro – JVP Railway Trade Unions want the sanitation facilities at the Fort Railway Station, presently controlled by a private company, to be taken back by the Railway Department, as commuters had to pay Rs.5.00 for the use of toilet facilities at the Fort Station.
They also said that the Bentota Holiday Bungalow, belonging to the department, was only limited to high rankers.
The Transport Ministry had received a grant of Rs. 50 million from a Chinese railway carriages and engine manufacturing company to construct a two-storeyed building for the benefit of train and bus commuters who were unable to find accommodation due to financial constraints.
The proposed building would accommodate 200 persons of either sex, on production of his or hers train or bus ticket and a fee of Rs. 100 would be charged per day.
President of the All Ceylon Railway Employees General Union, S. P. Vithanage said that there was no need to waste Rs. 50 million for a hostel. “The Ministry’s priority should be to take back of sanitary facilities from the private company and bring it under the control of the railway department. Most of the train commuters arrive in the city with only their season tickets. It is very difficult for them to pay five rupees to use these toilets,” he said.
Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma when contacted by The Island said the toilet service was handed over to a private company before he was appointed the Transport Minister.
“A recent survey conducted by the Ministry has revealed that about 200 stranded bus and train commuters take refuge at the Fort Railway Station for the night and the Central Bus Stand daily. That is why we decided to build a hostel for them. We will receive 60 million Indian rupees to develop railway stations. The problem will be solved when the new development projects are implemented after receiving funds,” Minister Alahapperuma said.
By Dasun Edirisinghe
Source: The Island
Tags: carriages, colombo, commuters, development projects, private company, railway carriages, railway department, railway employees, railway stations, sanitary facilities, season ticket, season tickets, toilet facilities, toilets, trade unions
