Oct 24, Colombo: Housing and Construction Minister Wimal Weerawansa today said that houses would be provided for the families who have been displaced due to the huge garbage dump in Meethotamulla, Kolonnawa.

Close to 50 houses located near the garbage dump have collapsed displacing the families.

Minister Weerawansa has told the parliament that permanent houses to the displaced families would be provided within two years and all measures will be taken to build permanent houses in a different location in the Kolonnawa area.

The Minister has added that a Rs. 10,000 monthly allowance is being paid to the families to use as rent for a new lodging until their new houses were built.

According to Weerawansa, about 60 families living near the garbage dump are being paid this allowance since they have to relocate.

He has added that an initial payment of Rs. 30,000 would be paid for the families to make the down payment for their rent advance.