Bank loan hitches keep houses empty

Hyderabad: Over 12,225 houses under the JNNURM housing scheme for the poor are ready to be occupied but there aren't many takers for it. Officials say that most of the beneficiaries are unable to pay their contribution due to problems with bankers over availing loans.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) had taken up the construction of 45,677 houses under the project at a cost of '1,124.87 crore in Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy and Medak districts.

The civic body completed construction of over 29,615 units of which 12,225 units are ready to be handed over under the JNNURM Housing Scheme. The work on 15,792 units is in progress. Now the civic body plans to motivate beneficiaries about the advantages of the housing scheme.

“GHMC Commissioner Somesh Kumar has asked the district administration and housing officials to initiate special drives to create awareness about the benefits of the housing scheme so that the beneficiaries pay their contribution,” said a GHMC official.

At a review meeting on the housing scheme, officials said that most beneficiaries were unable to come forward to pay their contribution as bankers were not giving them loans. “GHMC commissioner will hold a special meeting with the bankers to resolve the problems at the earliest,” said the official.

Of the total housing units, 17,390 houses have been occupied while 12,225 are ready to be occupied. The completed houses that are lying vacant are vulnerable to theft and vandalism, as there is no provision of maintenance or security so far.