In first quarter 2011:

Govt to construct 22,000 houses

Hemanthi Guruge

Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa said plans were underway to construct more than 22,000 houses under the Janasevana programme during the first quarter of this year surpassing the expected number of 20,000.

However there are requests to construct 20,000 houses in addition to this, he said.

Addressing the special progress review meeting recently he said that there is a great enthusiasm among the people about the Janasevana one million housing project and it should be possible to surpass the annual target of 60,000. The National Housing Development Authority will implement and expedite programmes to grant housing loan facilities for needy people who can't obtained loans from banks.

The Minister had instructed officials to take necessary actions in this regard.

He said 'the people are showing interest in the government's one million housing programme operating in the country.

'The Janasevana housing programmes' target is to ensure a house for every family.'

National Housing Development Authority District Managers representing all 25 districts participated at the event.