Kochi's Rajiv Awas Yojana Apartment Allocation Faces Further Delays
Allocation of apartment units for beneficiaries in the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) housing complex in Kochi will be delayed further, according to corporation authorities. The trial run of the sewage treatment plant at the apartment complex is now scheduled only for March 10, pushing back the completion timeline.
Incomplete Beneficiary Selection Process
Mayor V K Minimol addressed the corporation council meeting on Tuesday, revealing that procedures for completing the selection of beneficiaries remain incomplete. "Only 211 beneficiaries have furnished all the documents. The allotment for 198 beneficiaries has been completed," she stated.
There are 398 beneficiaries on the corporation's prepared list, meaning nearly half still need to complete documentation requirements. Additionally, beneficiaries must pay their share of costs, which will be crucial for maintaining common amenities in the complex.
Funding for Complex Maintenance
The mayor explained that maintenance of common amenities in the housing complex will be funded through a combination of beneficiary contributions and rentals from shops located on the ground floor of the flat complex. This dual funding approach aims to ensure sustainable upkeep of the facilities.
Other Corporation Developments Announced
During the same council meeting, Mayor Minimol announced several other significant developments:
- The Vyttila zonal office will be demolished and reconstructed
- An Indira Canteen will be opened at Edappally with IDBI Bank offering CSR funds for its establishment
- Fees for cremating bodies at public gas crematoriums will be fixed, with the proposal to be presented at the next council meeting
- Corporation officials have been directed to prepare a report on the condition of crematoriums throughout the city
Drinking Water Shortage Concerns
Several councillors raised concerns about acute drinking water shortages in various parts of the city during the meeting. In response, Mayor Minimol reported that multiple meetings have been held to address this issue, including one with the water resources minister.
A decision has been made to enhance pumping from the water treatment plant at Aluva to alleviate the water scarcity problem affecting residents across Kochi.
The delays in the RAY housing complex allocation highlight ongoing challenges in urban housing projects, while the announcements regarding infrastructure and public services demonstrate the corporation's broader efforts to address municipal needs in Kerala's commercial capital.
