Defiant Naga Shopping Arcade tenants reject hike in rent

Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, May 25: Irked by the indifferent attitude of the Development Authority of Nagaland (DAN) towards maintenance of the buildings coupled with the recent hike in rent, the Tenants’ Association of Naga Shopping Arcade (TANSA) has resolved to maintain status quo (old rate) on payment of rent till it fulfils its demand.

In a representation to the DAN chairman, TANSA has expressed displeasure over its failure to redress their grievances connected to hygiene, maintenance of building complex etc.

TANSA also stated that its earlier decision for a total shutdown was called off following a request from the then chairman and secretary of DAN, assuring to look into their grievances.

Pointing out that the tenants have been diligently abiding with DAN by paying rent regularly and maintaining basic restoration work on their own, the association lamented that instead of fulfilling their plea, they hiked the monthly rent.

It also apprised the chairman that TANSA has decided at a general meeting held at Hotel Saramati on May 15 to urge the DAN to maintain the NSA complex buildings, since the structure is very insecure and doesn’t look like a commercial complex anymore.

TANSA also stated that the building complex needs renovation, including replacement of windows and shutters besides white-washing the discoloured building. It went on to state the complex needs proper drainage system, clearance of water logging at basement and hygienic environment.

The association has also resolved not to comply to the order of the DAN and continue to pay the rent at the old rate until the authority fulfils its demands.

It may be mentioned that DAN, as per the decision of the 67th Board of Directors meeting on February 8, 2019, decided to hike the room rent as per the rate fixed by the Government of Nagaland, Work and Housing Department.

TANSA president Y Pukhaho Yepthomi told reporters on Saturday that DAN had hiked the rent from INR 5 per square feet to INR 9.50 per square feet for the ground floor and INR 4.5 per square feet to INR 7.60 per square feet for first floor.

The officials also claimed that the tenants had to bear the additional charge for clearance of garbage to the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC).

TANSA pointed out that stagnant water coupled with rotting garbage in the basement has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes due to lack of proper drainage. They went on to say that occupants in the basement incur huge loss due to floods during monsoon.