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The Kerala State Housing Board (KSHB) has approved the reconstruction of a structurally unsafe residential building in Chottanikkara, near Kochi, with an estimated cost of INR 2.27 crore. The three-storeyed block, built under the Saphalyam housing scheme to accommodate 24 families, became uninhabitable within a few years due to serious construction defects. The decision follows intervention by the High Court after residents were relocated to rented accommodation funded by the local body. Authorities found lapses in construction quality and supervision, including improper use of materials. The existing structure will be demolished and replaced with a concrete building, with planning already underway in coordination with local panchayat officials.
The Kerala State Housing Board will reconstruct a residential building under the Saphalyam housing scheme in Chottanikkara, near Kochi, after structural defects rendered the existing structure unsafe within a few years of completion. The decision, taken in the past week following a High Court directive, involves demolishing the current three-storeyed block and rebuilding it at an estimated cost of INR 2.27 crore. Advertisement
The housing complex, designed to accommodate 24 families, was constructed between 2015 and 2020 using gypsum panel technology. Subsequent inspections revealed significant construction deficiencies, with multiple agencies, including the housing board and the local authority, found to have failed in monitoring execution. Structural weaknesses began to emerge within four years, prompting concerns over the safety of residents and leading to the building being declared unfit for occupation.
Following these developments, residents were relocated to rented accommodation, with the local body bearing a monthly cost of INR 5,000 per family. The issue escalated when the previous governing council approached the High Court, seeking accountability and remedial action. Acting on the court's direction, senior officials of the housing board convened meetings with panchayat representatives and decided to undertake reconstruction on the same 33-cent land parcel.
Technical assessments identified critical flaws in the construction process. The building was found to have been assembled using gypsum panels filled with soil instead of reinforced concrete and steel supports. During the monsoon, moisture absorption weakened the structure, increasing the risk to occupants and necessitating evacuation. These findings highlighted deficiencies in both material selection and on-site supervision during the original construction phase.
Officials indicated that the new building will be constructed using conventional concrete methods to ensure structural stability and long-term durability. A detailed project plan is being prepared, and demolition of the existing structure will precede fresh construction. Site inspections by housing board engineers have already been carried out as part of the preparatory process.
Local authorities have also indicated that the redevelopment could include additional housing units on the same land parcel to accommodate more beneficiaries under government housing schemes. The move is expected to address both the immediate need for safe housing for displaced families and the broader demand for affordable housing in the area.
The case underlines regulatory and execution challenges in public housing projects, particularly concerning quality control and supervision. The reconstruction exercise will be closely watched for adherence to building standards and timely delivery, given the earlier lapses that led to the displacement of residents and intervention by the judiciary.
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