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Housing programme affordable for lower middle class

by Emma Knights and Kiran Bhamber

Minister of Western Region Development M.H. Mohamed has announced that the Urban Development Authority has plans for a new housing programme which aims to make housing more affordable for lower middle income families within the Colombo Metropolitan region. "This will be a great achievement because this is the first time a Government Department has initiated such a programme", the Minister told a media briefing on Tuesday. The scheme, which is estimated to cost Rs. 1.5 billion, receives no assistance from the Government. It is solely financed through the Commercial Banking sector which has offered very favourable interest rates.

The UDA has stressed that any profit made from this venture will be reinvested in future projects to create a rolling plan which aims eventually to provide housing to all the needy people.

They are planning to build a minimum of 1,380 houses within 1-2 years, the Minister said. "These houses will cover 10 sites of which three sites are located within the city limits. Even the smallest house will be a reasonable size (500-650 sq ft) so that poorer people can still live in relative comfort. Fully functional bathrooms and kitchens are included in each house".

The cost of these houses will be lowered by using cheaper construction material, and more modern technology and building methods. But the UDA has stressed that cheaper methods do not mean below in standards. Long-term payment plans can be arranged so that the lower middle class buyers will receive financial assistance, if required.

The UDA is also working to achieve a more efficient drainage system in Colombo to prevent the capital flooding. They appeal to the public to stop littering the drains with household waste. Such waste, along with silt, currently block the canals thus hindering the drainage system.

The UDA has also identified low-lying areas in Colombo which absorb water and retain it for sometime. They are taking action to maintain a certain water level in these regions in order to prevent further flooding.

The Ministry of Western Region Development is planning a flood relief programme for those who have been affected by the current floods. They hope to collect items from the public and distribute them among the flood victims. Anyone who wants to make a contribution should take their items directly to the Ministry.

The food court at the Ministry of Western Development is the first cafeteria of its kind in a Government establishment. It was opened on September 1 2002 when M.H. Mohamed was appointed as the Minister of Western Region Development.

The cafeteria which employs 4,000 people caters to all. It includes five different counters each run by a different company. These counters cater to all tastes and budgets.

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