Permanent shelter for Slave Island dwellers

The Urban Development Authority (UDA) has made arrangements to provide shelter to the occupants of the State land at Slave Island. Agreements are being entered into at 179, Ferguson Road, Thotalanga for provision of housing.

The Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Ministers had decided to provide the necessary infrastructure facilities to these occupants who lived under very dangerous conditions of with less facilities, near the railway track.

A substantial number of families have gone into occupation of temporary houses being built at Thotalanga. Some have reserved their houses.

The total number of houses being built at this new site is 233.

The monthly rent amounts to a maximum of Rs. 8,000. The UDA has agreed to provide a one year advance.

A sum of Rs. 5,000 will be paid to them for transport of their belongings. What is special is that of the two alternatives, whatever they opt to, eventually they would get a complete new house.

Arrangements have been made to construct a multi storeyed complex at Dematagoda without delay.