Facelift for Gurunagar flats

by Mohammed Naalir

Ministers Wimal Weerawansa and Douglas Devananda discuss with top rank officers of NHDA at Gurunagar Housing scheme.

Renovation work on the Gurunagar flats was launched recently following a request by Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas Devananda and Housing Construction and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa.

Ministers Wimal Weerawansa and Douglas Devananda inaugurated the renovation work at a ceremony at the site. Minister Weerawansa has allocated Rs. 100 million to renovate the flats. The flats consists of 160 housing units in eight blocks, each block consisting 20 housing units. The toilets and other common amenities in the flats have been severely damaged.

There was no water facilities and the residents have to fetch water from surrounding areas, according to Ministry sources.

These flats had been occupied by the fishermen in the region. They have returned after the restoration of peace, Ministry sources said.

The Gurunagar Housing Flats were constructed by the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) in 1986. During the conflict period, these flats were severely damaged by the LTTE, Ministry sources pointed out.

On an invitation extended by Minister Douglas Devananda, Minister Wimal Weerawansa and Ministry officers visited the site and inquired into the problems of the people and directed the Chairman of NHDA and other officers to take immediate action to renovate the flats within nine months.