Vadodara: Beneficiaries of Tandalja houses await possession
VADODARA: Beneficiaries of a housing scheme for the urban poor in Tandalja area are awaiting possession of their homes despite the apartments being almost ready for use.
The beneficiaries made representations regarding the delay to VMC officials on Thursday.
The draw and allotment of houses of the scheme was done in 2017, but there was no progress in the work. After several representations, work began and the construction was completed recently.
Congress member and activist Wasim Sheikh said that the sale deeds for the 294 houses had also been executed. “Only some work like giving power connections, installing some lifts and providing fire safety equipment is pending. The contractor is dragging his feet saying that the VMC owes him money and there is a delay in disbursing it,” Sheikh said.
Beneficiaries claimed that they either invested their savings or took loans for the houses.
In March, when the beneficiaries protested at the VMC office, they were promised possession within 15 days by the then municipal commissioner.
“When they didn’t get possession much after the promised time, we visited the contractor’s office who told us that they won’t give them possession until they receive their money. On the other hand, VMC claims to have given the money except the security deposit,” said Shaikh.
