New online system for local authorities to approve construction plans

• Pilot project for Kotte MC, Gampaha and Kalutara PS areas from next Aug. 
• Online system using collaboration of 17 institutions 
• Introducing universal format difficult given different requirements 
• Tenders called to find investor 

Measures have been taken to introduce a new online system for local authorities to approve construction plans, Urban Development Authority (UDA) Director General N.P.K. Ranaweera said this week.

Speaking at the Consultative Committee meeting of the Ministry of Urban Developments and Housing, Ranaweera said a pilot project for the Kotte Municipal Council and Gampaha and Kalutara Pradeshiya Sabhas are already underway. 

Ranaweera added that steps have been taken to provide funds for this pilot project, including all technical facilities, and that the project will be introduced to all local authorities in the future after discussions are held with the heads of the relevant local authorities to consider their needs.

The committee also focused on introducing the same format for all local authorities as there are different planning application forms in local authorities when approving plans.

Ranaweera also said an online application system will also be introduced in collaboration with 17 institutions, such as the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and the Coast Conservation Department (CCD), so that applicants will not be inconvenienced in getting plans approved by the UDA. 

Tenders have already been called to find an investor for this project and it will be launched as a pilot project from next August, UDA officials said.

State Minister of Rural Housing and Construction and Building Material Industries Indika Anuruddha, meanwhile, said that the construction of a large number of rural and urban houses is being carried out expeditiously this year, with it a large part of the government’s development process.

The meeting was chaired by Anuruddha and State Minister of Urban Development, Coast Conservation, Waste Disposal and Community Cleanliness Dr. Nalaka Godahewa.

MPs Chandima Weerakkody, Mujibur Rahman, Jagath Kumara, Sudath Manjula, Yadamini Gunawardena, Nasir Ahmed, Upul Mahendra Rajapaksa also attended the meeting along with officials of the UDA.