Zhaleo Rio inaugurates 384 rental housing units and flags off sanitation vehicles in Chümoukedima
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DIMAPUR — Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio on Saturday inaugurated the ‘Rental Housing for Urban Poor’ and flagged off 23 Urban Local Body (ULB) sanitation vehicles under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) and State Plan in Chümoukedima.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Zhaleo expressed satisfaction over the completion of the housing project, which comprises 384 rental units intended primarily for economically weaker sections, migrant workers, and the urban poor.
He said each housing unit includes a bedroom, kitchen, and toilet. He emphasised that the housing facility should not be restricted only to indigenous inhabitant certificate holders, but should remain open to all Indian citizens residing in the area, while excluding illegal immigrants and foreign nationals.
Highlighting the shortage of government quarters in the new district headquarters, the advisor suggested that vacant units could also be utilised for accommodating government employees.
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Zhaleo informed that the housing complex would be managed by a committee headed by the chairperson of the Chümoukedima Town Council (CTC).
The monthly rent for each unit has initially been fixed at INR1,000 for a period of three years, after which revisions may be considered.
On urban development, he stressed the importance of proper waste segregation and sanitation management, calling for a mass movement involving households, ULBs, government departments, and civil society organisations.
The advisor also announced that Chümoukedima has been included under Phase-I of the Asian Development Bank-funded Nagaland Urban Infrastructure Development Project (NUIDP), which aims to improve town roads and establish integrated stormwater drainage systems.
He said developmental works would henceforth be implemented through a package system instead of piecemeal execution to ensure quality and visible progress.
Zhaleo also appealed to village authorities and stakeholders to cooperate by providing land for development projects without demanding compensation, warning that projects could otherwise be withdrawn.
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Calling for transparency and accountability, he urged Urban Local Bodies to function with teamwork and proper coordination.
He noted that many ULBs in the state face difficulties due to lack of coordination among elected members and officials.
He further emphasised the need for proper revenue collection and effective utilisation of funds, including Finance Commission grants.
The advisor also cautioned against misuse of official vehicles and urged ULBs to properly maintain and utilise the sanitation vehicles.
Presenting the technical report, engineer Olemchila Yaden said the project consists of 384 dwelling units spread across 12 G+3 blocks.
She stated that the initial Detailed Project Report (DPR) covered only civil works and excluded components such as water supply and sanitation, following which a revised DPR and revised work order were issued.
Under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, a total of INR 18.59 crore was sanctioned for the project, while the work order amounted to INR 15.53 crore.
The project commenced on August 25, 2014, with the original completion deadline fixed for August 25, 2016.
However, following the revised DPR, the deadline was extended to July 20, 2024. The project was ultimately completed on May 12, 2024, ahead of the revised deadline.
The management and utilisation of the facility was formally handed over to the Chümoukedima Town Council.
Additional Director and Mission Director of SBM (U), Kezhochole Rhetso, highlighted the overview of Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) in Nagaland, while Commissioner and Secretary of Municipal Affairs Department, Kekhrievor Kevichusa spoke on the management and utilisation of the housing facility.