T’puram: After nearly three years of uncertainty, the district-level planning committee approved the long pending rehabilitation project for 128 families in Karimadom Colony in the capital on Monday, setting it up to move forward. Following the approval, the city corporation plans to release 20% of the project cost to Laurie Baker’s Institute, the Centre of Sciences and Technology for Rural Development (Costford), the agency entrusted with construction, paving the way for work to begin. The project proposed four buildings, with 32 flats each.The corporation launched the Basic Services for Urban Poor (BSUP) project in 2008 to improve the living conditions of families in the colony. However, the rehabilitation process has faced prolonged delays, with the latest phase of the housing project remaining stalled since 2023. Despite repeated assurances, construction had not begun, leaving families to continue living in difficult conditions while waiting for permanent accommodation.The project gained fresh momentum in Aug 2025, when the corporation cleared the land for the proposed housing development. Costford, an accredited agency, was subsequently entrusted with executing the project through a tender process. However, construction remained stalled as the corporation had not released the initial funds required for the agency to begin work. In Sept 2025, the previous govt even laid the foundation stone for this project. However, nothing has happened since then.The proposal faced another setback at a district-level planning committee review meeting last month, when it was initially rejected as officials considered it a new housing project. The corporation later clarified that it was an existing project that had remained pending for years. Following the clarification, the authorities agreed to reconsider the proposal, paving the way for its expected approval on Monday.Corporation secretary J Mohammed Shafi said “The district-level planning committee has approved the project. We can move forward with the construction now, and the issues will be addressed soon.”The project envisages 128 housing units, each costing around Rs 21 lakh, taking the total estimated cost to approximately Rs 22.05 crore. Construction is expected to be completed within one year of the commencement of work, subject to the execution of the agreement and adherence to the project schedule.The proposed residential complex will have four floors. However, concerns have been raised about accessibility, particularly for elderly residents and people with mobility difficulties, as the design does not include a lift. The corporation is considering possible modifications to address the issue.For residents, the prolonged delay has meant years of uncertainty over when they would be able to move into permanent homes. The project was intended to provide better housing and basic amenities to families who have continued to face difficult living conditions despite the rehabilitation plan being announced.
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