THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Union Government has approved the ` 76.35-crore urban slum elimination project submitted by Kerala under the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY). The project, which aims at mainstreaming the slum inhabitants of Mathipuram ward in Vizhinjam, near here, is one of the four pilot projects sanctioned by the Centre, a statement said.
Kudumbashree is the State-level nodal agency for implementing RAY, formulated to give shape to the vision of a ‘Slum-free India.’ The city Corporation will implement the project.
The project envisages building 1,032 electrified houses with drinking water connection, hygienic toilet/bath facilities and approach roads. The project caters to the creation of community infrastructure, including a community hall, library-cum-study centres, Anganwadi, health centre and kiosks. Setting up a biogas plant and sewerage treatment plants have been provisioned for.
Infrastructure to support fishing, the main occupation of the people there, also finds a place in the project. A dry fish processing unit and shops for storing fish and fishing implements are among the other amenities planned. These apart, the project will create a garment unit and vegetable/grocery shops.
The Centre for Science and Technology for Rural Development (COSTFORD) had prepared the DPR of the Mathipuram project. The Central Government will shell out 50 per cent of the total project cost. The State Government and Corporation will contribute 30 and 20 per cents respectively. The project is to be implemented during 2012-14.