SMC’s attempt to change perception about affordable housing


Surat, 2 December 2014

Surat Municipal Corporation(SMC) has attempted professionalism like private builders by showcasing sample flats at its under-construction affordable housing scheme site.

SMC has planned LIG(Low Income Group) housing project at 30 places and EWS(Economical Weak Section) housing projects at 7 places.

To attract more application, and to change public perception that affordable housing schemes offer weak construction, SMC has ensured best quality housing schemes that include good wiring, Johnson company’s tiles flooring and Otis company’s elevator lifts.

Draw for allotment of housing units was held on Sunday in presence of minister of state Shankarbhai Chaudhary through which allotment of 4,946 LIG and 1,718 EWS housing units was made.

Good quality affordable housing units will attract five to ten times more applications for future projects, government officials believe.

During the draw event at Vesu, an exhibition featuring details of proposed housing units was held. Visitors were told that buildings of affordable housing schemes will be so strong that even two hours long earthquake would not be able to cause damage.

Speaking at draw event, minister Chaudhary said that in the past the quality of affordable housing units used to be so poor that people would identify Jawahar Nagar as Jokham Nagar. He said new housing units, best in quality and still affordable will be like blessing of God for those who are living in rented flats.