Saturday Nov 23, 2024
Saturday Nov 23, 2024
Saturday, 23 November 2024 00:57 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Urban Development, Construction and Housing Ministry yesterday formalised supplementary agreements for a Chinese-funded housing initiative worth 552 million Yuan (approximately $ 75 million). The project aims to provide 1,888 houses for low-income families and 108 homes dedicated to veteran artists, underscoring a commitment to addressing housing needs across diverse communities.
The signing ceremony, held at Sethsiripaya, Battaramulla, was attended by Urban Development, Construction and Housing Minister Dr. Anura Karunathilaka, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, Deputy Minister of Housing T.B. Sarath, Chinese Embassy Economic and Commercial Counsellor Tang Yandi, Urban Development, Construction and Housing Ministry Secretary Ranjith Ariyaratne, Urban Development Authority Chairman Eng. L. B. Kumudulal and senior officials from the Ministry.
The move was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting held on 4 November, to address the country’s housing needs, specifically targeting low-income families and selected communities, including local artists.
The housing project will span multiple locations, with projects planned in Peliyagoda, Dematagoda, Moratuwa and Maharagama, while the specialised housing for skilled artists will be constructed in Kottawa.
“This initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to improving the living standards of its people, while also recognising and preserving the cultural contributions of our artists,” Dr. Karunathilaka said at the event.
Construction is set to begin this month, with a completion target of three years and the Urban Development Authority (UDA) will oversee the implementation.
The construction of 575 units in Moratuwa and 108 units in Kottawa has been awarded to China Railway 25th Bureau Group Company Ltd., and China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC) will build 586 housing units in Dematagoda and 112 units in Maharagama, while Shanxi Construction Investment Group Co. has been assigned to construct 615 units in Peliyagoda.
