Illegal constructions to come down - Minister

Unauthorised constructions which are a hindrance to the beauty and development of city areas will be dismantled, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said.

The Minister was addressing the Wattala Regional Development Committee at a meeting at the Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha auditorium Tuesday.

Minister Rajapaksa said a series of massive development schemes were now under way to transform Gampaha into a model district. Referring to waste management and disposal, the Minister said it had became a big problem confronting local Councils.

He said he would devise a plan to encourage producers to use recycled degradable waste as raw material for their industries after discussions with the Internal Trade Ministry, Consumer Authority and other organizations.

It was also agreed at the meeting to set up a grid substation near the Kerawalapitiya Power Station to augment electricity supply to industries in Wattala.

Rs 135 million was set apart for the vast conservation activities in Preethipura and Uswetakeiyawa.

Deputy Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, UNP Parliamentarian John Amaratunga, Wattala SLFP Organizer Neil Rupasinghe and other Parliamentarians and local councillors were present.