Massive housing projects get under way

Mohammed Naalir

The National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) has planned to implement massive housing development projects under the Gama Neguma and Jana Sevana housing projects to ease the housing problems of those below the poverty line and middle class income earners, Housing Ministry sources said yesterday.

According to these sources, 6,500 housing units will be constructed countrywide for the community below the poverty line at a cost of Rs. 500 million funded by the Treasury. Meanwhile, 6,000 housing units will be constructed under the Jana Sevana housing project at a cost of Rs. 400 million. Rs. 200 million will be allocated by the Treasury while Rs. 400 million will be borne by the NHDA from its previous loan recoveries.

Rs. 50,000 would be allocated to a recipient to renovate, and Rs. 90,000 to construct houses.

Meanwhile, 10,000 housing units will be constructed in the Eastern Province under the Negenahira Navodhaya project at a cost of Rs. 1,000 million in 2009.

The Housing Ministry said plans were afoot to construct 3,000 housing units in Kegalle, Ratnapura, Matale, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla and Moneragala Districts.