Insurance scheme for construction workers

By Lalin Fernanopulle

In the backdrop of the appalling state of the construction industry, construction craftsmen heaved a sigh of relief with Minister of Housing and Samurdhi Sajith Premadasa announcing the launch of a pension and an insurance scheme for construction craftsmen shortly.

Construction industry experts said that benefits of this nature will help improve the standards of the construction industry which plays a pivotal role in the economy.

Former Chairman and CEO of a large number of construction related public sector corporations and CEO and Secretary General of the Chamber of Construction Industry, Dakshitha Thalagodapitiya said that construction industry workers do not enjoy the security of employment and many social benefits that workers in other sectors enjoy. Most employers do not pay EPF and ETF and workers are employed on a project basis.

"The media also depicts the construction workers as unruly. We hope that the new Minister for Housing will endeavour to improve the image of the cosntruction worker, ensure accrual of statutory benefits such as EPF and ETF and gratuity to the construction worker," Thalagodapitiya said.

"With occupational safety standards being observed in the breach, the need has arisen to provide medical benefits at least in the form of an insurance scheme for construction craftsmen," he said.

Minister Premadasa addressing the Architect 2015 annual sessions last week said that his Ministry will launch a program to train construction craftsmen across the country. They play a pivotal role in the industry and added that pension and insurance schemes will bring in recognition to their profession.

"Fifty thousand houses will be constructed under the new housing development program to address the housing problem of a large number of people through a participatory approach.

The enabling strategy will help reach the goals for housing development in the country.

Housing reached a peak during my father's years. People's participation was a celebrated legend", Premadasa said.

He said that his ministry will revive the process of people's participation in housing development.

"We will pay special attention to vulnerable sectors of society such as elders and the disabled. "Rented housing which is a major issue will be addressed. Steps will be taken to revamp the Sevana Fund," he said.

The construction sector is not operating in a holistic manner. Construction in the past was done in an uncomprehensive manner resulting in waste and unprofessional construction.