Even as the authorities of Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board (TNSCB) struggle to convince the residents of Sengulam Colony to make them vacate their houses in order to construct new tenements, construction of tenements at Jailpettai in the city has reached the advanced stage.
The Jailpettai project had faced many hurdles including a long legal battle, similar to the Sengulam Colony project. Officials had to conduct several rounds of negotiations with the residents, who were living in huts for more than 60 years and make alternate arrangements till the completion of the project. They were vacated after handing over identity cards to all families by the TNSCB. Now, the project is on the verge of completion.
The project, involving the construction of 288 houses, is being executed at an estimate of Rs.11 crore. Each house is spread over 393 sq. ft. area including common space.
A hall, bedroom, kitchen are the components of each flat. Separate latrine and bathroom have been provided.
S. Suresh, Executive Engineer, Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board, told The Hindu that about 95 per cent of the works had been completed. The remaining works would be completed within December. They were likely to be handed over to the beneficiaries as a Pongal gift.
He said the tenements would have 60,000 sq.ft. built-up area. All modern amenities including playground and park had been established.
Efforts would be made to convince Sengulam colony residents by showcasing the new tenements at Jailpettai.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Khadi and Village Industries T.P. Poonachi on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the construction of 144 houses at a cost of Rs.8.11 crore at Nagamangalam in Srirangam taluk. The Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board will take up the project.
Collector Jayashree Muralidharan said the residents, who were living in slums at Indira Nagar on the land owned by the Ministry of Defence, would be given houses at Nagamangalam. It would have 4 blocks.
Each house would be 400 sq.ft. in size. It was estimated that it would cost Rs.4.54 lakh per house.
While the State and Central government would contribute 90 per cent of the cost of each house, the share of beneficiaries would be just 10 per cent.
