The deplorable state of Government quarters

KOCHI: The residents of 1a4/37 block of the flats meant for government employees, near NGO quarters at Thrikkakara are reeling under the constant fear of their houses going to pieces any time. The residents are left in the lurch as the authorities concerned, both the district administration and Public Works Department (PWD), continue to pass the buck.The residents said that the maintenance works undertaken by PWD is not up to the mark.P P Joy, a resident of one of these dilapidated quarters, said that what they need is a temporary accommodation at the earliest. “Without it no amount of substantial work can be carried out on this crumbling structure,” he said. Joy said that the state of his flat is perilous. “Two days back, one of its window panes came down of its frame. Besides, the foundation of the building has started bending. We are scared out of our lives as my flat is on the ground floor. If it collapses, the entire structure can come down,” he said.In addition, the building is always moist owing to the leaking pipes running along the buildings.The PWD (buildings) assistant executive engineer said that they submitted a report to the district administration on January 1. The report said that some of the flats in the 1a4/37 block are too worn out for use. “We have realised the gravity of the situation. The flats have worn out precariously and need immediate repair works. In order to avert any major tragedy, the department has decided to provide immediate maintenance works, though it will be temporary,” she said. The chief engineer said that this issue came to their notice on Thursday. “The PWD officials have already inspected the site,” he said.District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth said that it did not come under the purview of the Collector but PWD. “The PWD has to submit the details regarding the dilapidated structure and if the site is found too perilous to live, the District Collector can ask them to vacate,” he said. If the residents have to be shifted to any other place, the PWD has to furnish the details about the temporary arrangement so that the District Collector could take action on it. Pareeth also added that the allotting a temporary arrangement is not obligatory.