Hope fills Velampeta as housing project takes off

Municipal Minister P. Narayana, MLA Vamsikrishna Srinivas, District Collector Abhishikt Kishore, GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg and others laying the foundation stone for the slum redevelopment project at Velampeta near Lakshmi Nagar in One Town, Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: V. Raju For generations, the residents of Velampeta have lived in cramped houses, endured waterlogging during the rains waiting for the promise of a better home to become a reality. On Wednesday, the foundation stone was laid for a ₹40 crore slum redevelopment project, that promises permanent homes for 177 families.The project, coming up near Lakshmi Nagar in One Town, will provide the families with modern multi-storeyed housing at the same location. Each family will receive a flat measuring about 410 sq ft, and valued at approximately ₹20 lakh. The site at Velampeta near Lakshmi Nagar in One Town, where a multi-storeyed residential complex will be constructed for 177 slum-dwelling families. | Photo Credit: V RAJU To facilitate construction, before leaving the site residents signed promissory notes. Each family has received ₹18,000 towards rent at ₹3,000 a month for six months of the construction period.For Lakshmi, who has lived in Velampeta for nearly four decades, the project means more than a new house. It is a chance for her grandchildren to grow up in a better environment.“We have struggled a lot here. During rains, water enters the house. I feel like this is a dream. Now, my grandchildren will be able to live peacefully,” she said.Residents have for long lived in cramped conditions. Some houses are so small measuring six to eight square feet. The difficulties become particularly acute during the rainy season, when water enters their homes and disrupts daily life.Ramesh, who has been living in Velampeta for 30 years, said residents had received assurances of housing on several occasions, but had never seen it translate into action.“Many times, especially during elections we were assured that houses would be provided, but nothing materialised. We had also lost hope. For the first time in our lives, we are seeing things progressing. We are really excited about the future of our children,” he said.For him, the project is an investment for the next generation. “My two children will have good house,” he said. Municipal Minister P. Narayana, MLA Vamsikrishna Srinivas, District Collector Abhishikt Kishore, GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg and others laying the foundation stone for the slum development project at Velampeta near Lakshmi Nagar in One Town in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: V RAJU The foundation stone-laying ceremony brought together residents who have spent much of their lives in the settlement. Their happiness was evident as they discussed the prospect of moving into permanent homes without having to leave the neighbourhood where they had built their lives. Published - September 09, 2026 06:54 pm IST