Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Steps for reconstruction of slums

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The City Corporation has got down to the task of identifying implementing agencies for the reconstruction and improvement of five slums to be taken up with Central assistance under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).

A meeting convened by Mayor C. Jayan Babu earlier this week discussed the regeneration project with three firms including the Centre of Science and Technology for Rural Development (Costford), Habitat Technology Group and Nirmithi Kendra. The slums to be covered under the project are the Rajiv Nagar Colony, Kannanthura; Two Cent Colony, Kadakampally; Bund Colony, Kannammoola; Karimadham Colony and Poonkulam Colony.

The detailed project reports for the Rajiv Nagar Colony, Bund Colony and Two Cent Colony were prepared by Costford in the first phase. Families in the three colonies are growing increasingly restive over the delay. At the ward sabhas conducted last week, residents vented their ire and threatened to launch an agitation to press the Corporation to take up the reconstruction work in the first phase of the JNNURM. Councillors had a tough time trying to pacify the incensed crowd. The residents fear that the proposal to take up the improvement of the Karimadham and Poonkulam slums would lead to a setback for the reconstruction of their colonies.

Kannammoola ward councillor R. Satheeshkumar and Kannanthura councillor Solomon Vettucad demanded that the regeneration of the three slums be taken up in the first phase of the JNNURM project. The councillors also wanted the work to be taken up by Costford. Costford expressed willingness to take up the regeneration of the Karimadham Colony.

Outlining the reason, Costford executive director P.B. Sajan said the project held special significance for the agency because it was designed by its founder, the late Laurie Baker.

The agencies wanted the Corporation to sanction funds in excess of the estimated rate to make up for the spiralling price of construction materials. The Mayor said the Government had approved a 15 per cent tender excess. He promised additional funds from the Corporation for the project.

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