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Challenges and delays persist in Kochi's LIFE MISSION Housing Project

The LIFE MISSION housing project in Mundamveli, Kochi, undertaken by the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), has faced several delays in its completion. Despite a fifteen-day extension granted by the high court, it is now unlikely to be finished even by June. The Thrissur District Labour Contract Co-operative Society (TDLCCS), the contractor responsible for the project, has encountered difficulties in meeting the deadline due to the arrival of monsoons in the state, which has significantly affected and slowed down the progress of the work.

Although most of the work in one block has been completed, there are still substantial pending tasks in the other blocks, leading to the missed deadline. The project, aimed at rehabilitating residents of the P&T colony, commenced four years ago. It comprises two four-storeyed buildings on 70 cents of land, featuring a total of 83 flats with an area of 375 square feet. Each block consists of four floors and is constructed using steel, with deck sheet concrete flooring. Each flat includes two bedrooms, a kitchen, a toilet, and a living-cum-dining room. Additionally, there are amenities such as a daycare centre, a reading room, rainwater harvesting tanks, fire safety systems, and drinking water tanks.

Despite numerous missed deadlines, the GCDA has set a final deadline for the project's completion in the last week of October. Originally scheduled for completion by September 15th, only 50% of the project has been finished due to financial constraints. The total project cost amounts to Rs. 14.6 crores, with each unit priced at 16 lakhs. Out of this, 5.5 crores have been disbursed to the contractor. The escalating construction costs have led to completion of only half of the work in one block. While plumbing and electrical work are progressing swiftly, the overall pace has been hampered by the lack of funds and increased construction expenses.

With the issue of funding shortages resolved, the contractor has proposed a new deadline. The work in block two is nearly complete, except for the common areas, while major tasks, such as plastering, tiling, grills, window frames, door frames, and shutters, still remain in block one. The inauguration of the LIFE MISSION housing project can only be announced after both blocks are completed. Funds are being released in instalments to ensure the project meets the new deadline. The GCDA and TDLCCS have set a final deadline to resolve all outstanding issues and complete the project.

 

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