Zhaleo Rio flags off the sanitation vehicle during the programme held in Chümoukedima on May 16. (DIPR Photo)
Chümoukedima, May 17 (MExN): The Rental Housing for Urban Poor Complex was inaugurated and sanitation vehicles under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) and State Plan were flagged off at Chümoukedima on May 16.
According to a DIPR update, Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Zhaleo Rio, IAS (Retd.), attended the programme as the special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Zhaleo described the completion of the Rental Housing for Urban Poor project as a significant achievement and said the initiative aimed to provide affordable and dignified accommodation with essential basic services for economically weaker sections, migrant workers and low-income groups.
He stated that the housing facility would be allotted not only to indigenous inhabitants but to all Indian citizens residing in the district, including migrant workers, while clarifying that illegal immigrants would not be eligible.
Zhaleo informed that the housing complex comprised 384 units of one-bedroom hall kitchen (1BHK) apartments. He said the initial rent had been fixed at Rs 1,000 for a period of three years and added that any future revision would be undertaken by the Chümoukedima Town Council (CTC) with the approval of the state government.
On sanitation and urban management, the advisor stressed the importance of proper waste management and sanitation practices. He urged the public to cooperate in maintaining cleanliness through segregation and proper disposal of waste materials.
Zhaleo also appealed to all stakeholders and the public to support development activities in the district and called upon Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to function collectively with transparency and accountability.
He urged councillors to maintain coordination with the administration and the public and to ensure implementation of developmental activities in their respective wards.
The advisor stated that this was the fourth occasion on which sanitation vehicles had been flagged off and distributed to ULBs under the department. He cautioned authorities against misuse of public resources and urged proper utilisation of such assets for public welfare.
During the programme, Zhaleo unveiled the inaugural plaque of the housing complex and flagged off the sanitation vehicles.
Commissioner and Secretary of the Municipal Affairs Department Kekhrievor Kevichusa described the inauguration as a proud moment for both the department and the state government.
He said the project had been completed within the sanctioned budget and ahead of the revised timeline despite delays. Though not a large-budget initiative, he said its social impact on Chümoukedima and surrounding areas would be substantial.
Kevichusa informed that the department had partnered with the Chümoukedima Town Council for management of the facility.
Highlighting the objectives of urban housing projects, he said such initiatives aimed to utilise vacant land productively, provide safe living conditions for people unable to afford commercial housing, strengthen municipal finances and attract private investment.
He further stated that the project would serve as a revenue-generating source for the town council and urged it to balance revenue generation with the welfare of low-income workers.
Kevichusa also informed that five per cent reservation had been earmarked for persons with disabilities and suggested concessional rent for them.
Technical and financial details of the project were presented by Executive Engineer-II, UEW, UD, Er Olemchila I Yaden.
She informed that the project was implemented under the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) scheme funded by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation.
According to her, the housing complex consists of 384 dwelling units constructed across 12 blocks of G+3 structures and the work was executed by M/s Zaputuo Lhoungu at a final work order amount of Rs 155.32 crore.
She said the first work order was issued on August 14, 2014, and construction commenced on August 25 the same year. However, revision of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) became necessary as the original DPR covered only civil works and excluded components such as water supply and sanitation infrastructure.
Following revision of the DPR, a revised work order was issued on July 20, 2023, and the project was completed ahead of schedule on May 12, 2024.
