Development activities must continue under strict health regulations, as COVID-19 is still prevalent in the country. Otherwise, people would suffer the consequences of delayed development, Urban Development State Minister Dr. Nalaka Godahewa said yesterday.
He was speaking at the commencement of a 700-unit housing project launched for low-income families in Madampitiya, Colombo. It is being carried out under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ project, under the guidance of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and State Minister Dr. Nalaka Godahewa. The project’s construction work began without the participation of the public as per the provided health regulations. The Urban Development Authority is implementing the project with financial assistance of Rs.394 million provided by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. MP Yadamini Gunawardena, Urban Development Ministry Secretary Sirinimal Perera, Urban Development Authority Chairman Harshan de Silva, and Urban Development Authority Director-General Prasad Ranaweera were present at the event.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Godahewa said, “The present government has launched several housing projects to help low-income families. With the appointment of the new President, the construction of about 7,000 houses has commenced. Today, we have started such a housing project in Madampe.” “At present, there is a pandemic in the country. However, we believe that development activities must continue under the required health regulations. Otherwise, the public will suffer the consequences. Therefore, we are dedicated to carry out development activities while ensuring the safety of the people. We hope to finish this housing project in about a year. If the severity of the pandemic increases, however, it would take over a year and a half,” he added.
