The Cabinet has approved an integrated proposal to construct new houses for estate‑dependent families whose homes were fully or partially damaged, or who live in landslide‑prone areas, following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
The program, presented jointly by the President and the Minister of Plantation and Rural Infrastructure Facilities, will provide Rs. 5 million per affected worker to build a 650‑square‑foot house, based on housing plans and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Defence.
Under the scheme, estate companies will allocate a 10‑perch plot of land in a safe location within the estate for each worker.
In cases where a worker’s service is no longer required, they will be facilitated to purchase land using the Rs. 5 million grant and construct a house through the program.
The government states that while circular instructions had earlier outlined measures for housing repairs and reconstruction for families affected by Cyclone Ditwah, specific provisions for estate workers had not been included.
The new program addresses this gap, ensuring long‑term housing security for vulnerable estate families impacted by natural disasters. (Newswire)