MAPUSA
Housing Minister Jayesh Salgaonkar on Saturday said that Goa Housing Board was trying to acquire land in places away from towns and cities in order to make affordable housing available for Goans.
"Land away from cities is available at cheaper rates. If we acquire land at
cheaper rate then even costing of the plot will be low. That way, we can provide housing to Goans at affordable rate," said Salgaonkar while speaking to The Goan along the sidelines of the concluding function of children's festival in Mapusa.
The minister informed that Goa Housing Board (GHB) was providing plots at more than 20 percent below the market rate.
He said GHB has land but most of it was located at prime area and therefore, the price of the land was high.
"We have land in Colvale, which is close to Mapusa. So rate of land in Colvale is high. But if we procure land somewhere deep inside, in Pernem...We can take the load out of the city. It will be 20 to 30 kms away from the city and will be easily affordable," he said.
He said GHB has identified land in the interior areas of the State and talks were going on with the owners.
"We have identified certain areas... certain communidade and private owners," the minister said.
On the ownership, he said GHB can either have partnership with the owner or buy the land outright or alternatively work a deal on sharing basis.
Salgaonkar also said that GHB was looking to tie-up with private companies to develop its properties in the State.
"We are trying to rope in contractors of reputed brands. We are going to give open invitation to everybody and choose the best from among them," he said. "There are companies from Mumbai who are interested," he added.
He said reputed private firms will provide quality facilities and this will shore up the status of the GHB.
