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From: "Architexturez." <interface.services@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
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Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2006 15:42:35 +0530
SMC seeks private funds for zero-slum Surat, but finds few enthusiasts
Idea fine but not viable, say industrialists who have mooted loans to
relocate slum-dwelling migrants
Soumik Dey
Surat, December 19: WITH the goal to make Surat “a zero slum city” Surat
Municipal Corporation (SMC) has mooted the idea of a public-private
partnership in providing housing to an estimated six lakh slumdwellers
in the city. The idea was discussed at a recent meeting to draft the
city’s slum policy paper but industrialists who are supposed to be
private partners were conspicuous by their absence.
City-based industrialists agree that the industrial workers have
contributed to a large extent to improving the business scenario of the
city by providing cheap labour. But they readily cite aspects like
globalisation, competition, loss in business and others as the reason
why the idea might not be viable.
The slum policy paper is working towards relocating 314 slums of the
city after SMC received sanction for two projects totalling Rs 282.71
crores under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. Plans
to provide housing to 23,028 slum dwelling families are already afoot in
this regard.
cont'd....
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=213931