The first phase of the Santhi Nagar Model Village project, funded by the State government for the rehabilitation of slum-dwellers, near West Hill here will come to a close in three months. Initially, 218 houses will be completed and handed over to the selected beneficiaries in the Santhi Nagar Colony.
The construction is proceeding under the supervision of the Kerala State Housing Board (KSHB). Of the 218 houses, 144 will be ready by December end and the remaining by January, 2013. The Rs.15-crore project aims at the construction of a total of 333 houses in the colony.
“The project is now moving on fast-track and only the roof work is remaining for the completion of nearly 160 houses,” says S.M. Ajith, Executive Engineer of KSHB. He says the construction of the other 58 houses has already started and all of them will be completed on time.
KSHB has also finished the tendering process for electrical work on the completed houses. According to officials, the work will begin next week.
On completion of the first phase, the KSHB will seek the possibility of getting government approval for another project it designed for providing all basic amenities and essential services for the colony residents. According to KSHB officials, the Rs.21.8-crore project has already been submitted for the consideration of the State government as it is essential for beginning the second-phase works. The supply of pure drinking water and the setting up of basic drainage facilities and internal roads in the colony will be possible only through the approval of that project.
On the other hand, preparations are also going on for making the inauguration of the first phase a grand ceremony. A team of officials and people’s representatives will visit Chief Minister Oommen Chandy next week to discuss the inaugural function, where keys will be handed over to the beneficiaries.
“It was the timely release of fund that really accelerated the work for the development of this backward area. We hope that the second phase too can be completed in the same manner,” says C.P. Salim, councillor of West Hill ward.
He adds that the model project funded by the government will come to the help of over 1,000 residents, including children, in the underdeveloped coastal area.
