The residents of the P&T Apartment complex in Mundamveli are preparing to launch a strong protest unless maintenance works, based on the recommendations of IIT Madras—the appointed project consultant—begin next week.
After much delay, the State Government approved granting consultancy to IIT Madras to detect structural and design flaws and recommend solutions for the apartment complex built by the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) to rehabilitate families evicted from the erstwhile P&T Colony. More than a month later, in June, GCDA and IIT Madras signed an agreement appointing the latter as the consultant.
The signing of the agreement was seen as paving the way for the premier institute to issue a building stability certificate—a prerequisite for starting the truss work sanctioned by the district administration and to be executed by the Kochi Corporation. The truss work is considered an immediate, temporary fix for the leaking. However, even that has not started, despite the monsoon having set in.
“IIT Madras has committed to providing the stability assessment report and the truss work design by Friday (July 11), as per the Chief Minister’s review meeting held last week. Once these are received, the truss work can begin. The report on the larger maintenance of the apartment complex is expected shortly thereafter,” said GCDA sources.
As many as 77 families from the former P&T Colony near the Perandoor canal in Kadavanthra moved into the apartment complex built by GCDA in January 2024. However, some apartments began leaking during the first showers in February of that year, and soon nearly all were affected by the continuous rain.
Residents also point out that a promise made during the taluk-level adalat in December 2024—to ensure free drinking water supply to the apartment complex—has not been fulfilled, even though most families relocated under the Life Mission scheme are below the poverty line (BPL). The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) provides free water supply to BPL families.
“At present, the two blocks are collectively charged nearly ₹1 lakh under two separate connections. We received free water while living in the colony. Our living conditions have not improved since relocation, yet our expenses have increased, including water charges. Our letters to KWA authorities, including the managing director, have received little response,” said Abhilash P. Parameswaran, president of the P&T Apartment Owners Association.
