Housing Loan Programme

Cluster Housing Program

This is being implemented as Housing Projects at electorate level covering all administrative districts.  Each project which will be implemented subsequent to an identification process based on a formal feasibility study, will consist of 50 –100 housing units.  Projects are planned to be implemented according to a specified time frame within which construction of houses and infrastructure such as water, access roads, community halls, electricity etc.   too  are scheduled to be completed.  With the view to make the project a success as desired, action is taken at the planning stage to obtain the assistance and provisions from the political leadership, non-governmental organizations, and the voluntary organizations in the area.  This had been effective from the inception of the National Housing Development Authority in 1979.  As at present 10109 housing units in 214 projects are being constructed under this program , during this year.

Scattered Loan Program / Settlement Development Programme

This program is implemented on annually targeted basis simultaneously with other programs.  A loan amount subject to an upper limit of Rs: 50,000/= is granted to construct a new house/to effect improvements to an existing house on an extent of land already owned by the beneficiary.  Under this program a large number of beneficiaries are assisted annually thereby catering to the housing demand of low income earners.  Commenced with the one-million Houses Program launched at national level in the year 1984, this program even at present plays a conspicuous role among present day Housing Program. 

Housing Grant Program

This program is implemented at national level aimed at poorest of the poor families with nil affordability for repayment of a financial loan.  This program provides for a financial grant or material aid (roofing sheets) or both to a deserving family.  As at present the financial grant is subject to an upper limit of Rs: 25,000/= which is released in installments according to the progress of construction.  Alternatively basic building materials or roofing sheets (a maximum of 26 corrugates sheets and 03 plain sheets) are provided.  A special feature of this program is the action taken and co.-ordination effected by the National Housing Development Authority to obtain the assistance of Philanthropists and voluntary organizations to suit the individual needs of the beneficiaries.  The SEVANA FUND established for the very same purpose, has been a major contributor for this program.  The roofing sheets received under Indian Line of credit are distributed to the beneficiaries of this program.

Technical Advisory Services.

Depending on various circumstances, for the houses being constructed by the families on their own efforts without any financial or material aid assistance from the National Housing Development Authority or with financial assistance from any other external institutions are provided with Technical advice and guidance at construction stage by the Technical Officers of National Housing Development Authority.  The Technical Officers who are attached to Divisional  Secretariat offices are attending to this task on requests from the general public.  This advisory services includes assistance in the preparation of a type plan/obtaining approval from the relevant local authority and technical assistance at the stage of construction.

Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program

This program commenced in the year 1989 is aimed at catering to the needs of families in the war-town districts of Jaffna, Vavuniya, Mannar, Kilinochchi, Mulativu, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara in North-East.  With financial resources provided by REPIA, this Authority along with respective Government Agents distribute loans and grants to beneficiaries.

These loans/grants are provided on the validity of the registration card issued to affected persons by the relevant Divisional Secretaries after investigating damaged property and other details of the family concerned.

The loans and financial grants are limited to upper limits of Rs: 50,000/= and Rs:25,000/= respectively.

Unique   feature in new Housing Programme

This housing development programme being implemented by us have a unique feature in comparison to the other housing programmes. It is the fact that the financial assistance provided is minimal while the participatory contributions of the beneficiary commits to maximal, for example with a loan of      Rs. 50,000/- a house worth five time the value of loan amount , is constructed . This has become possible due to the efforts made by our officials to being out the hidden  capabilities and creativity of the poor communities . It was important to monitor the construction stages and to release loan installments accordingly.

Housing Societies

During this period we have been able to re-activate 920 housing societies in 28 districts. They have been educated to maintain their common amenities in order to improve their living conditions and friendly environment . 

By this programme  we have been able to strength the relation ship  among the house hold families .

Registration of skill workers in the field of Housing Construction

Non availability of skill labour Data Bank is a main constraint in the field of construction  for the development of construction trade.  In order to fulfill this requirement we have taken action to gather the information related to the skilled laboures in constriction trade such as mason , carpenters , plumbers , painters, Electricians etc

Accordingly we have already received  the information about 3894 persons. As  the main agency connected with the construction industry , it is our responsibility  to organize and give the necessary impetus for the youth  actively and confidently engaged themselves in the construction industry thus leading  to upliftment in their living conditions and to be recognized in the society.