the goan I network
PANAJI
Presently the entire Camarabhat slum area houses more than 180 families with 960 registered voters. The hutments (roof and walls) are made of metal and asbestos sheets and each hutment is spread over an area of 8-14 sqmts. Within this small area, a partition is made which is utilised as a kitchen and another smaller area is being used for cleaning utensils and bathing.
In the recently presented Budget 2017-18, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has promised to take keen initiative to rehabilitate all the habitants living in various slums. Camarabhat is one of the slums which will be taken up for rehabilitation in the first phase. Adequate fund allocation has also been made by the government under Goa Rehabilitation Board (GRB).
The Goan visited the slum area to find out about the expectations of Camarabhat dwellers after the announcement to rehabilitate them. The dwellers expressed happiness over government’s announcement, but in the same breath said that the entire process should be taken up at the earliest and completed within two years.
Speaking to The Goan Everyday, Mahesh Kattimani, who has been living in the area since birth, said, “Prior to elections we were told that we would get a flat of 60 sqmts each. We want the rehabilitation to be done here itself as we have been living here since birth.”
The dwellers however point out that even if the government provides them with a 60 sqmts flat, it should have at least two rooms.
“Presently more than two to three families adjust in the small place that we have. So when the government is planning to rehabilitate, the flat should have at least two rooms even if they are small in area.” said Sagar, another resident of Camarabhat who has been living in the area since birth.
An elderly lady Basavva underlined the need to have a proper toilet facility, making it convenient for the women in the house, especially during the night.
“Presently, we don’t have separate toilets except for the Sulabh Shouchalaya which has four seats “ two for men and two for women. Also we have to pay the agency for use of these toilets,” she said adding that it becomes difficult for women in the area, especially during the night, to use these toilets.
Nonetheless, the inhabitants also expressed that there should be medical facility in case of emergency and a play area for children.
“In case of emergency, we have to either rush to GMC at Bambolim or private hospitals nearby which charge exorbitantly. So it would be of great help if the government provides us with basic medical facilities. Secondly, our children just play in the by-lanes or on the road. So a small play area with play equipment would serve the purpose,” said Subhash, another resident.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in its manifesto released especially for Camarabhat, had promised a rehabilitation project to Camrabhatcars which comprises of 300-plus housing units for families living in the area. As per the manifesto, each housing unit would be of 60 sqmts area, that would be equivalent to a 1BHK flat. Additionally, there would be a play area and a high school for children and parking area too. The manifesto also promises a business zone to be set up in Camrabhat for creating job opportunities.
According to builders, the cost of construction in the Camrabhat area would be approximately Rs 25,000 per sqmt. Considering this cost, the entire housing project would cost approximately Rs 45 crore.
