ACCESSIBILITY
It
is important that your plot of land is easily accessible. First
check for the distance to your plat of land from the Main Road.
Sharp turning points along the Road may not be favorable. Your
road may be dead-ended or a thoroughfare, and in the case of a
dead-end you should be concerned about turning of vehicles- the
most commonly used system being having a turning circle at the
end of Road. If it is a thoroughfare, you have to be concerned
about the security of your property more than in the case of a
dead-ended road.
You may like a quieter area away from the city. If your selection
is such, first check for the distance to the nearest city or town,
as transport could be a critical issue in rural areas. It is favorable
for you to select a plot of land, which is situated in an area
serviced with public transportation.
ROAD
WIDTH
The width of the road to your land is critical. Over 50% of Sri
Lanka falls under Urban Development
Authority (UDA) Regulations or other special regulations enacted
by the relevant local authority. Therefore, check whether your
road width allows for development of the proposed building as
per regulations or the 'Form
C'. Your road must be wide enough for two cars to pass; leaving
space for drainage lines, telephone posts and lampposts etc. If
turning of your vehicle is difficult check for the distance you
have to travel on your vehicle before you turn.
It is a bonus if your road also allows for a car or two to park
and reverse.
ROAD
SURFACE
It is favorable if the road to your land is a hard surface, tarring
being the most commonly used. However, in Sri Lanka it may not
be practical to always look for tarred roads. Your road at least
must be leveled, filled with hard soil and must be able withstand
soil erosion during heavy rains. Check whether your road is provided
with a trench to let the rain water flow away without damaging
the road or your property.
Your land must essentially be at a level that is higher than the
road level; otherwise the rainwater will flow into your of land,
which will make your life difficult.
SUPPLY
OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL TO THE SITE
For the supply of material to the site road width again becomes
critical as heavy vehicles, which are wider than that of ordinary
vehicles, generally do transport of construction material. Therefore
you have to make sure that your road is wide enough for a lorry
or a backhoe to pass. Check also whether these vehicles could
be easily turned in to the road.
ROAD
MAINTENANCE
Other than private roads all roads are maintained by the local
authorities or the government. Check who is responsible for the
maintenance of your road? However good your road may be, it may
become a hazard during rain if it is not maintained properly.
