'Lakshamveedu' colonies to be renovated: Minister

Thiruvananthapuram, June 27 (UNI) Kerala Forest and Housing Minister Binoy Viswam today told the State Assembly that renovation of 'Lakshamveedu' colonies will be initiated with the cooperation of NRIs and the HUDCO.

Replying to questions by Mr M K Premnath (Janata Dal-Secular) and others, he said the Government would seek the cooperation of NRIs, MPs, MLAs and local self Governments to repair the dilapidated houses, provide basic facilities like water and electricity, and convert the twin houses into single ones.

Mr Viswam said that besides utilising MPs and MLAs fund, financial assistance from religious and culture organisations and from NRIs, the Government was planning to introduce a lottery for the purpose.

Stating that the Government was aware of the pathetic condition of the houses, he said it would seek help from all corners, including the Opposition. It would also take the initiative to coordinate the functioning of all departments in this regard.

The Kerala State Housing Board was spending Rs 40,000 to renovate each house and the aim of the project was to reconstruct all the houses, he said, adding that 50 per cent of the total cost would be borne by the Government and the remaining by voluntary organisations and local self government bodies.

UNI