PENDING MIXED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT CABINET APPROVAL

The proposed Mixed Development Project of the Bambalapitiya flats was yet to be approved by the Cabinet, the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) said yesterday.

Earlier this week, residents of the Bambalapitiya flats mentioned that the initial stages of the project in the premises were underway.

A resident who wished to remain anonymous said, “The authorities called us for a meeting to discuss about the upkeep of the premises. But, when we went for the discussion, we were informed of a mixed development project instead.”

The authorities suggested that the residents be shifted to a condominium and a rent of Rs. 40,000 per month be paid to each flat until the construction period of three to four years ended.

“Some of the residents are for the projects while the others aren’t. The plan they suggested would shift us all to a building intended to be constructed on a one-acre land,” the resident said.

When contacted NHDA Chairman L.S. Palansuriya, he said the details of the project were not finalized as yet. “The project has not even been approved by the Cabinet as it’s still being discussed. The residents have nothing to worry about. We will assure that they receive maximum benefit from the project,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bambalapitiya Flats Welfare Association President N. Ragunanthan, speaking to the Daily Mirror said the residents had requested that the premises be refurbished. “Though the booklet we were provided with stated that it was a development project, the letter they gave us mentioned that it is a refurbishment,” he added.

The authorities suggested that the residents be shifted to a condominium and a rent of Rs. 40,000 per month be paid to each flat until the construction period of three to four years ended

Mr. Ragunanthan further pointed out that if the development project was approved, the residents would want at least five acres of the land and four towers built instead of a condominium.

However, last year, the Daily Mirror published an article regarding a project proposal for a mix development project in the premises. But the tenants and the source (Board of Investment) subsequently denied the existence of such a project.