In keeping with the pledge of Mahinda Chinthana to provide a House for all, the Ministry of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing & Common Amenities will take steps to meet the housing demand in the country by constructing 87,070 houses in year 2011.

This was revealed at a progress reviews meeting of the Ministry of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing & Common Amenities presided by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees this morning.

During the meeting President emphasized the importance of giving priority to Colombo district while building houses as the district was not given a significant consideration over the past few years.

Pointing out the current interest rates for housing loans, President Rajapaksa instructed the Ministry officials to discuss the matter with banks to see the possibilities to bring the interest rates down.

He also paid the attention to the extra expenses a client had to incur while obtaining a housing loan.

"A special housing scheme should be introduced for the self-employed in the country using the local know-how, expertise and materials", President said.

President also suggested to establish theme parks throughout the country to exhibit eco-friendly, low-cost model houses.

Minister of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing & Common Amenities Wimal Weerawansa, Deputy Minister of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing & Common Amenities Lasantha Alagiyawanna and senior officials of the Ministry were also present at the progress review meeting.