Rental Housing for Urban Poor Complex was inaugurated and sanitation vehicles under Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) and State Plan were flagged off at Chumoukedima on Saturday. The event was graced by Advisor for Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, IAS (Retd.) as Special Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Zhaleo Rio thanked the Chümoukedima Town Council (CTC) and the department for extending logistical support and making arrangements for the program. He stated that the completion of the Rental Housing for Urban Poor project was a significant achievement and said that the objective of the project was to provide affordable and dignified accommodation along with essential basic services for economically weaker sections, migrant workers, and low-income groups.
He stated that the housing facility would be allotted not just to the indigenous inhabitants but to every Indian citizen residing in the district, including migrant workers, and clarified that it would not be provided to illegal immigrants.
Zhaleo informed that the complex comprised 384 units of 1BHK apartments. He further informed that the initial rent had been fixed at Rs. 1,000 for a period of three years and added that any revision of rent would be undertaken by the CTC with approval from the state government.
On sanitation and urban management, the Advisor stressed the need for proper waste management and sanitation practices. He called for strict compliance with rules and regulations and urged the public to cooperate in maintaining cleanliness by ensuring segregation and proper disposal of waste materials.
He appealed to all stakeholders and the community to extend cooperation and support towards development activities in the district. He further called upon the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to function collectively with transparency and accountability and urged councillors to maintain harmonious coordination with the administration and the public and to carry out developmental projects within their respective wards.
The Advisor stated that this was the fourth occasion on which sanitation vehicles had been flagged off and distributed to the ULBs under the department. He urged the authorities not to misuse public resources and encouraged proper utilization of such resources for the welfare of the public.
During the program, the special guest also unveiled the inaugural plaque of the housing complex and flagged off the sanitation vehicles.
Commissioner & Secretary, Municipal Affairs Department, Kekhrievor Kevichusa described the inauguration of the project as a proud moment for both the department and the State Government. He stated that despite delays, the project was completed within the sanctioned budget and ahead of the revised timeline.
He said that although the project was not a large-budget initiative, its social impact on Chümoukedima and the surrounding areas would be significant, and informed the gathering that the department had partnered with the Chümoukedima Town Council for management of the facility.
Highlighting the objectives of urban housing projects, Kevichusa stated that such initiatives aimed to utilize vacant land productively, provide safe and decent living conditions for people who could not afford commercial housing, strengthen municipal finances, and attract private investment.
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He further stated that the project would serve as a revenue-generating source for the Chümoukedima Town Council and urged the council to balance revenue generation with the welfare of low-income workers. He also informed that a 5 percent reservation had been earmarked for persons with disabilities and encouraged the Town Council to consider concessional rent for them.
He emphasized the critical need for proper upkeep, civic responsibility, and the responsible use of public infrastructure to ensure its longevity and wished the town council success in managing the facility.
The technical and financial reports of the project were highlighted during the program by Er Olemchila I Yaden, EE-II, UEW, UD. She stated that the project was implemented under the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) scheme funded by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation (MoHUPA).
The housing complex comprised 384 dwelling units constructed across 12 blocks of G+3 structures. The construction work was executed by M/s Zaputuo Lhoungu at a final work order amount of Rs. 1,553,266,000.
Providing a timeline of the project, it was informed that the first work order was issued on August 14, 2014, and the construction work commenced on August 25, 2014; however, a revision of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) became necessary as the original DPR covered only civil works and did not include essential components such as water supply and sanitation infrastructure. Following the 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.
The welcome address was delivered by the chairperson of the Chümoukedima Town Council, Lhousito Khro while Kezhochole Rhetso, Additional Director & Mission Director, SBM(U), highlighted the core objectives, achievements, and ongoing activities of Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) in Nagaland. The program was chaired by Director, Directorate of Municipal Affairs, Temjenrenla Kechu, and a vote of thanks was delivered by ADC & Executive Officer, Chümoukedima Town Council, Dr. Kuzonyi Wideo.
