
Rental House for low income families inaugurated
On the occasion of 20th Anniversary, Lumanti Support Group for Shelter has initiated the Rental Housing Program as a model project targeting low income renters in Kathmandu.
Chief Guest of the ceremony Minister of Urban Development Chhabi Raj Pant inaugurated the first Rental House located in Dhobighat, Lalitpur on 29th July 2013.
Addressing the function organized by Lumanti, Minister Pant said there is not such significant program that has been implemented focusing for urban poor families. This innovative model program not only benefits the urban poor renters in Kathmandu but also supports the government, he added. After observing the model rental house, he said, best use of land in the architectural design is replicable. He also stressed the need of private sector's involvement in the housing sector for urban poor.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary of Ministry of Urban Development Kishor Thapa said that the government is on the process of developing the code of conduct for the renters which will soon be formulated.
President of Lumanti Prafulla Maan Singh Pradhan said, rental housing program is just the model project which will definitely support the government to develop the code of conduct for the renters that the government is planning.
Executive Director of Lumanti Lajana Manandhar stressed the need of government program focusing for the urban poor. Emphasizing the essentiality of private sector's participation in housing program for the urban poor, she said, if the government is ready to provide land for housing the urban poor, Lumanti is ready to contribute for housing program.
The first phase of rental housing program would directly impact 24 low-income families providing them with affordable and modern rental housing. The four-storey building is built on 302 sq meter incorporating green design features like bio-climatic design, local construction material, rainwater harvesting, ground-water recharge and solar-powered LED lights in communal spaces.
Five member selection committee representing Lalitpur Sub-metropolitan City, Local Community owned committee, Lumanti and media is on the process of formation for the selection of genuine renters. The committee will select the genuine 24 families on the basis of the indicator developed.
Along with the initiation of first phase of renal housing, Lumanti has started the process of second phase of rental housing in the same area. Chief Guest and other dignitaries of the inauguration ceremony also participated in the ritual ceremony organized there. The second rental housing will provide 30 low income families access to clean and safe rental spaces with basic infrastructures.