Moratuwa University Experts Vehimently Protest Against Assigning Construction of 65,000 Steel Houses.
The Ministry of Prison Reform,Rehabilitation , Resettlement and Hindu Religion Affairs has assigned the task of constructing 65,000 steel houses to be distributed among war affected people in the North to Luxumberg based company called Asilo Mittal. Civil Organizations and Social Organizations have protested against these steel houses stating that they were not environment friendly and not suitable for them.
In the meantime Moratuwa University Experts carried out a preliminary survey on these steel houses. Expert panel comprised of Professor, Brian Dias,Dr.Nakkiga Galwatura (Engineers) and Architect Varuna De Silva visited the North and carried out the survey.
Their survey disclosed the following facts:
- These houses cannot be repaired and extended
- Not environmental friendly
- Last only for 25 to 30 years but where as cement building last for over 50 years.
- Cannot withstand flood.
- Windows can be opened only halfway.
- No bar in windows leading to security risk.
- After 10 years liable to rust erosion etc.
Despite wide spread protest by civil and social organizations and intended beneficiaries plus expert panel observations, still Ministry of Prison reform, and Hindu religion affairs insist on allocating the steel house construction to Luxumberg based Asilo Mittal Company. Observers say that something is fishy in constructing steel houses to War affected people.