Urban development and housing projects to be fast-tracked

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa chairing the meeting yesterday at the Urban Development, Water Supply, and Housing Ministry

Prime Minister and Urban Development, Water Supply, and Housing Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa held discussions with his Ministry yesterday to fast-track urban development and housing projects, including delayed projects from the past four years.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry, Rajapaksa has assured that the next budget proposal will include fund allocations for future projects, including development, beautification, and maintenance in Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna, and Anuradhapura.

At the progress review meeting with Ministry officials, it was revealed that there were no funds to complete a number of projects by the National Housing Development Authority that were stopped midway. One such project promised the construction of 1,000 houses, although it only had fund allocations for 100 houses.

In addition to this, a total of Rs. 26,000 million was required to complete the 96,344 housing units of which construction began in the period between 2017 and 2019.

According to Rajapaksa, the National Urban Development Authority and National Housing Development Authority are facing financial difficulties due to a vast number of projects implemented under the institutions despite not coming under their purview.

“It is difficult for the Treasury to provide us with the required funds at the moment, and we will take steps to get them through the Budget,” he said, adding that they should look at receiving funds from Ministries that have excess.

The Prime Minister has also advised Ministry officials to implement waste management systems and projects in order to solve the garbage issue in urban areas.

In addition to this, the Minister has also advised Ministry officials to make use of local resources in future projects, including consulting with local specialists instead of more costly foreign specialists. Rajapaksa has also informed the Ministry to have beds for State hospitals as well as doors, windows, and aluminium fixtures for housing complex projects manufactured at the Kolonnawa Government Factory.