Construction work on the second phase of the Maligawatte- Apple Watta housing scheme commenced this week under the patronage of State Minister of Urban Development Dr. Nalaka Godahewa.

Construction of the project, which is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 4 billion, commenced under the directives of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

According to the Daily FT, the Government intends to complete the project and hand over the houses to the public within 2 ½ years.

Under the project, 700 housing units will be accommodated in a 16-storey building consisting of 500sq feet floor area at Apple –Watta.

Each housing unit will include two bedrooms, living area, kitchen, dining area, balcony, toilet and bathroom with a separation.

The houses are to be granted to needy families living in low-income settlements.

Meanwhile, the first phase of the project which consist of 472 housing units has been completed and handed over to low-income families.

The project is being implemented on a financial assistance provided by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.