Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, MAY 16 (NPN): Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, Saturday inaugurated the Rental Housing for Urban Poor Complex at Chümoukedima and flagged off 23 Urban Local Body (ULB) sanitation vehicles, including 20 under Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) and three under the State Plan.
Zhaleo, who attended the programme as special guest, also unveiled the commemorative plaque, while the complex was dedicated by pastor Dirang Lungalang.
Addressing the gathering, Zhaleo Rio expressed happiness over completion of the long-pending project, stating that it had originally been sanctioned during 2013-14 when he was also overseeing the Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department.
“It has taken us almost 12 to 13 years to complete and inaugurate this project. I think I was destined to bring this project and again inaugurate the completed project,” he said.
He said the state government was focusing on rapid development of Chümoukedima district headquarters by providing basic amenities and infrastructure. Highlighting the objective of the centrally-sponsored housing scheme, Zhaleo Rio said the facility was intended for economically weaker sections, migrant workers and urban poor residents.
Clarifying a point mentioned during the technical presentation, he said the facility should not be restricted only to indigenous inhabitant certificate holders.
He informed that the project comprises 384 rental housing units, each equipped with a kitchen-cum-dining space, one bedroom and a toilet. He also suggested that vacant units could temporarily accommodate government employees due to shortage of official quarters in the new district headquarters.
The advisor stressed the need for proper management of the facility and said a management committee headed by the CTC chairperson would oversee operations. He added that the rent had initially been fixed at Rs 1000 per unit for three years.
On waste management, Zhaleo Rio said the Centre had issued strict directives regarding sanitation and waste segregation, making it mandatory for all stakeholders to actively participate.
Zhaleo also announced that under the NUIDP, funded through an ADB loan, Chümoukedima had been selected in the first phase for improvement of town roads and integrated stormwater drainage systems.
He appealed to village authorities, GBs and civil society organisations to cooperate by providing land for development projects.
“The government has no funds for land compensation. If land is not provided, projects will be withdrawn,” he warned.
Expressing concern over the functioning of Urban Local Bodies after the civic elections, Zhaleo said lack of harmony between councillors and officials in many ULBs was hampering developmental activities. He urged elected members to function with transparency, accountability and teamwork.
Referring to sanitation vehicles distributed under different programmes, Rio said this was the fourth phase of such distribution by the department and advised ULBs to properly maintain vehicles and avoid misuse.
Delivering the technical report, Executive Engineer-II, UEW, Urban Development Department, Er. Olemchila Yaden, said the project aims to provide low-cost and dignified accommodation with essential services, particularly for low-income workers residing near their workplaces.
She informed that the project consists of 384 dwelling units constructed in 12 blocks of G+3 building structures.
According to the technical report, the project was undertaken under the RAY scheme funded by the MoHUPA. The total sanctioned amount for the project was Rs 18.59 crore, while the total work order amount stood at Rs 15.53 crore.
Additional director and mission director SBM (U), Kezhochole Rhetso, said Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 focuses on scientific waste management and sanitation.
Commissioner and Secretary, Municipal Affairs Department, Kekhrievor Kevichusa, said the project, initiated in 2014 and completed in 2024, had undergone delays due to legal form alities and issues related to roads and access.