RDA step to provide low-cost housing

ROURKELA:FINALLY, the Rourkela Development Authority (RDA) has initiated steps for  implementation of affordable housing project with private participation for the urban poor of the steel city.

It is the first step towards implementing affordable housing scheme on PPP mode. But, this project is different from other housing project proposals of the RDA.

The RDA, through advertisements, has invited Request For Proposal (RFP) from developers of national repute. Under the affordable housing project, the selected developers would be entrusted to construct 500 EWS (Economically Weaker Section) units at posh residential and instructional location of Chhend Colony. The RDA would provide unencumbered land and also facilitate time-bound statutory approvals, while the selected developer after constructing 500 EWS units on 3.30 acres, would hand it over to RDA free of cost. At the project site, the developer would get 1.75 acres (which is 35 per cent of the entire project) on freehold basis for own commercial purpose.

Sundargarh District Collector and RDA Vice-Chairman Vineet Bhardwaj said the economically backward beneficiaries would be provided cheaper housing facilities. For clarifying queries of the bidders on the project, a pre-bid meeting would be held on Rourkela Municipal Corporation (RMC) premises on December 7, while technical and financial proposals would be accepted by January 9 next year.

RDA sources said the project comes as per the “Policy for Housing for All in Urban Areas, Odisha, 2015” which recognises the importance of private sector investment to accomplish the milestone to cater to the housing needs of the urban poor.