A new phase of the government’s Metro Uplift programme aimed at improving the living conditions of residents in low-income housing complexes in the Colombo urban area commenced yesterday.

The initiative, implemented under the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development through the Urban Development Authority, focuses on upgrading and modernising selected housing complexes as part of efforts to enhance the quality of urban living.

As part of the program, a field inspection was carried out by Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake on June 20 to review ongoing Metro Uplift projects at housing schemes in Colombo 09, Dematagoda, Mihidusenpura and Siyapath Sewana, as well as to assess their current conditions.During the visit, attention was drawn to key infrastructure requiring renovation, including fire safety systems, sunken pavements, manholes, drainage systems, lighting in common areas, waste disposal facilities, boundary walls, security camera systems and police posts. Discussions were also held with officials on upgrading essential public amenities in these housing complexes.The Mihidusenpura housing complex in Dematagoda, launched in 2013, consists of six blocks and 820 housing units. Renovation work under the Metro Uplift project is currently underway at a cost of Rs 24.9 million.

Meanwhile, the Siyapath Sewana housing complex in Dematagoda, which was handed over in 2018, consists of three blocks and 702 housing units. It is being upgraded under the programme at a cost of Rs 6.68 million. In addition, Rs 20.3 million has been allocated for the repair of sewage systems in both housing complexes.The Metro Uplift programme continues as part of broader efforts to modernise urban housing infrastructure and improve living standards for residents in densely populated urban communities.