brand logo

UDA to probe construction violations of apartment buildings

10 Mar 2022

BY Dinitha Rathnayake The Urban Development Authority (UDA) is to strictly investigate violations that have occurred in the planning and construction of buildings, especially of apartment complexes. Speaking to The Morning, the UDA Chairman Maj. Gen. Udaya Nanayakkara said that the enforcement team would specially investigate complaints from the general public, while also carrying out investigations on their own. “We have received many complaints from the general public related to apartment complexes, regarding the hardships and safety concerns they endure due to bad construction and the absence of proper approvals. Most of the complaints are reported from Colombo, Dehiwala, and Mount Lavinia. There are so many condominiums that have not been certified by the Condominium Management Authority for various reasons. Some were built years ago. We are currently carrying out investigations on these complexes, especially to see if they fulfil fire-related safety regulations.” According to Nanayakkara, the UDA will suggest heavy fines and severe penalties to deter developers from flouting the law. The general public will be able to submit their complaints regarding building violations via a Google form. Meanwhile, according to several media reports, all residential and commercial multi-storey buildings, especially condominiums, are to go under the microscope, which may lead to hefty fines or demolition. The UDA is going to constitute an independent advisory committee consisting of architects and engineers to review approvals and check building violations of existing structures.


More News..