Secretary Defence inspects Colombo low income housing construction sites
Saturday, 4 January 2014 00:00
-
- {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Subsequent to the inauguration of the second phase of the ‘Mihindu Senpura’ housing scheme, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Gotabaya Rajapaksa made an inspection tour to visit other low income housing construction sites in progress around the city on 2 January.
Five hundred housing units constructed under the 1st phase of the Mihindu Senpura low income housing scheme was ceremonially vested on public on 18 November last year by the President.
During the inspection tour, Rajapaksa visited Estate 54 & 66, Maligawatte, Pradeepa Mawatha, Edirisinghe Mawatha, Cyril C. Perera Mawatha and Salamulla housing sites.
He inquired into the progress of the work and gave necessary instructions to the officials entrusted with the constructions. Inquiring into the well being of the nearby slum dwellers Rajapaksa exchanged views with them and explained the benefits of the development projects initiated to improve their living standards. Taking the opportunity to personally speak with Rajapaksa the slum dwellers voiced their concerns freely and upon listening to the secretary’s explanation praised the Government’s genuine efforts to assist them to uplift their livelihoods.
Under the Government’s initiatives a number of projects have been implemented to facilitate better living standards for the slum dwellers. Authorities also conduct awareness programs for the housing beneficiaries.
Once completed these housing units will be distributed among the slum dwellers, who are presently living under deplorable conditions. As the Government is committed in making Colombo a showcase city free of slums and squatters, the Secretary Defence is assiduously working towards providing these people a better living environment.
Urban Development Authority Chairman Nimal Perera, Director General Nihal Fernando, Additional Director General Brigadier Samantha Jayasundara, Civil Engineering officials of the project and senior officials of the Urban Development Authority accompanied the Secretary Defence during the visit.
