Online construction plan approvals for local bodies

Measures have been taken to introduce a new online system for local authorities to approve construction plans, Director General of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) N.P.K Ranaweera said.

Commenting on a proposal made by MP Madura Vithanage at the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Urban Development and Housing, the Director-General said this has already been initiated as a pilot project for the Kotte Municipal Council and Gampaha and Kalutara Pradeshiya Sabhas.

The meeting was chaired by Indika Anuruddha, State Minister of Rural Housing, Construction and Building Material Industries and Dr Nalaka Godahewa, State Minister of Urban Development, Coast Conservation, Waste Disposal and Community Cleanliness.

The UDA Director General further stated that steps have been taken to provide funds for this pilot project including all technical facilities and that the project will be introduced to all local authorities in the future after discussing with the heads of the relevant local authorities and considering their needs.

The Committee also focused on introducing the same format for all local authorities as there are different planning application forms in local authorities when approving plans.