SURAT, March 24: The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has sought a loan of Rs 82.80 crore from HUDCO to build 16560 dwelling units for slum-dwellers living on the river bank. City engineer Kishor Parekh told Express Newsline that the SMC had put up the proposal before V K Grover, Regional Manager of HUDCO who was in the town on Tuesday. Asked whether HUDCO has sanctioned the loan for building dwelling units for slum-dwellers, the city engineer said, ``We have just forwarded the proposal. Nothing has been finalised as yet.'' He, however, said if the loan was sanctioned, the project would be completed within two years.The SMC plans to construct the dwelling units (one room, kitchen and balcony) in Jahangirpura for the ``needy people of the city'', Parekh said, adding the basic idea was to shift the slum-dwellers from the river bank to a safer place. It may be noted that Bapunagar, Subhas Nagar and Nehru Nagar slums were completely washed away in the September flood. ``We have 31.45 hectare land in Jahangirpura, which can by utilised for the housing purpose where the flood-affected slum-dwellers can be shifted. The project is estimated to cost Rs 102.50 crore,'' Parekh said.
While a dwelling unit is to cost Rs 65,000, slum-dwellers can take possession after paying an initial amount of Rs 10,000. The remaining amount is to be paid in installments.
The SMC's Standing Committee is expected to discuss three proposals regarding construction of dwelling units for relocation of slum-dwellers.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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