P&T apartment residents stage protest over stalled works

Residents of the P&T Apartment Complex in Mundamveli recently expressed their frustration through a protest march directed at the contractor responsible for multiple stalled construction projects. These works, which include essential infrastructure improvements such as drainage systems, compound walls, roofing, landscaping, and earth-filling, have been on hold since the proclamation of the local body elections. despite the official lifting of the Model Code of Conduct, no progress has been made, prompting the community to demand accountability. This situation highlights the challenges faced by residents in ensuring timely completion of public-funded housing projects.

community Action Against Construction Delays

On a saturday evening, the residents, organized under the banner of the P&T Apartment Association, marched to the contractor’s residence to demand explanations for the halted work. the suspension of construction activities has left the site in disarray, with excavated soil obstructing the septic tank and causing further inconvenience. Attempts to contact the contractor were unsuccessful, leading the local Thoppumpady police to intervene.They reached out to the division engineer from the Fort Kochi zonal office of the Kochi Corporation, who revealed that the contractor had abandoned the project without prior notice.

Funding and Accountability Concerns

the stalled projects are financed through a combined fund of ₹1.19 crore from the Kochi MLA’s asset advancement fund and an additional ₹50 lakh allocated by the Kochi Corporation. The abrupt withdrawal of the contractor has raised serious questions about project management and oversight. According to Abhilash P. Parameswaran, president of the apartment association, the police indicated that the division engineer had agreed to cover the costs of clearing the soil blocking the septic tank. residents are awaiting further updates, expected by Monday, to clarify the next steps and ensure the resumption of work.

Background: Relocation and Structural Issues

The P&T Colony, previously situated along the banks of the Perandoor canal near Kadavanthra, saw 77 families relocated to the newly constructed apartments by the Greater Cochin Development Authority in January 2024. Unfortunately, the apartments exhibited important defects, including leaks during the initial monsoon showers, causing distress among the inhabitants. This has compounded the urgency for repairs and completion of pending works.

Expert Intervention and Political Advocacy

In response to the structural concerns, the State government appointed IIT Madras earlier this year as a consultant to identify design and construction flaws and propose remedial measures. The involvement of such a prestigious institution underscores the seriousness of the issues faced by the residents. Additionally, Abhilash P. Parameswaran took a political step by contesting from the Mundamveli East division of the Kochi Corporation to bring greater attention to the apartment complex’s challenges.

Significant Facts: key Points to Remember

• The P&T Apartment Complex is located in Mundamveli, near the Perandoor canal.
• Construction works including drainage, roofing, and landscaping have been stalled since the local body elections.
• The project is funded with ₹1.19 crore from the Kochi MLA’s asset development fund and ₹50 lakh from the Kochi Corporation.
• The contractor responsible for the works has reportedly abandoned the project without notice.
• Thoppumpady police intervened and contacted the Fort Kochi zonal office engineer for updates.
• Excavated soil blocking the septic tank has caused additional problems for residents.
• Seventy-seven families were relocated to the apartments built by the Greater Cochin Development Authority in January 2024.
• Structural defects,including leaks during the first rains,were reported soon after relocation.
• IIT Madras was appointed by the State government to assess and recommend solutions for the apartment’s design flaws.
• Abhilash P. Parameswaran, president of the apartment association, contested local elections to highlight residents’ issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why have the construction works at P&T Apartment Complex been delayed? The works were suspended during the local body elections due to the Model Code of Conduct and have not resumed because the contractor abandoned the project.

Q: who is funding the ongoing construction and repair works? The project is financed by ₹1.19 crore from the Kochi MLA’s asset development fund and ₹50 lakh from the Kochi Corporation.

Q: What role did IIT Madras play in this project? IIT Madras was appointed as a consultant by the State government to identify structural and design issues and suggest corrective measures.

Q: How many families were relocated to the new apartments? A total of 77 families from the former P&T Colony were moved to the new apartments constructed by the Greater Cochin Development Authority in January 2024.

Q: What actions have residents taken to address the stalled works? The residents, led by the P&T Apartment Association, organized a protest march to the contractor’s house and engaged local authorities to seek resolution.