Night shelter yet to be made functional

Homeless people may face problem in days ahead as the night shelter constructed about seven months ago by the Berhampur Municipal Corporation is yet to be made functional.
The two-storey structure, inaugurated by the Berhampur MLA R C Chyaupatnaik on May 8, at the old bus stand was constructed at a cost of Rs 32 lakh to accommodate homeless people during winter.
The ground floor is being used as Ahara Kendra.
At least 30 people can be put up on the first floor.
"We had invited bids for managing the night shelter, but got no response. We'll float a fresh tender and invite charitable organization to run it," Commissioner of the Corporation Manoj Mohanty.

Plans are afoot to construct two more night shelters at the new bus stand and Lanjipalli area, he said.

Construction of the building at Lanjipalli has started. "It is coming up at an estimated cost of Rs 96 lakh and will be able to accommodate 100 people," said engineer of the corporation Asim Mishra.
The one at new bus stand will be constructed at a cost of Rs 40 lakh and have room for 40 people, he added.
The commissioner said night shelters will be constructed at other places after assessing the response to the one at the old bus stand.