Unauthorized constructions in housing schemes to be demolished

Shirley WIJESINGHE

Unauthorized constructions in Colombo housing schemes which block water drainage and sewerage systems will be demolished overpowering all challenges and barriers , Construction, Engineering Services , Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa said.

Stern action will be taken to stop construction of unauthorized structures in the future, he said at a Ministerial mobile service conducted under Jana Setha mobile ministry program at Maligawatte recently.

The Ministry has decided to conduct a systematic survey to seek the consensus of residents before demolishing unauthorized structures, the Minister said.

Weerawansa said the Maligawatte Housing scheme is one of the oldest housing schemes in Colombo which needed a systematic development.

This housing scheme was earlier maintained and managed by various institutions as a joint venture which was been given up later. The National Housing Development Authority cannot maintain such a huge scheme alone without sufficient funds, he said.

Weerawansa instructed NHDA official to prepare an estimate and action plan to renovate the housing scheme and assured to give maximum relief to the residents allocating funds through the Treasury.

The Minister instructed officials to allocate a suitable place for funerals in response to residents requests.