Underserved settlements renovated - CB Governor

by Mohammed NAALIR

The collective effort of Government institutions and the occupants of underserved settlements in the Colombo city resulted in successfully completing the first phase of the `Nagamu Purawara' program implemented under the guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Central Bank (CB) Governor Ajith Nivard Cabral said.

Addressing the progress review workshop on the `Nagamu Purawara' program at the Pradeepa Hall Maligawatta the CB Governor said that 1492 underserved settlements have been identified in the Colombo city and 354 of them will be renovated under the first phase of the program.

National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) and the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) carried out most of the renovation work of underserved settlements with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation (SLLRDC), National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWS&DB), Urban Development Authority (UDA), Colombo GA and the Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development Ministry.NHDA renovated 341 toilet blocks and 74 common bathrooms at a cost of Rs. 10 million in 91 underserved settlements-2,831 families will benefit.

Meanwhile the CMC carried out the renovation work in 58 underserved settlements. Under this project 221 toilet blocks and 70 public bathrooms were renovated at a cost of Rs. 9 million - 2,500 families will benefit.

The CB Governor said that the Government has spent millions of rupees for the `Nagamu Purawara' program under the guidance of President Rajapaksa.