Thiruvananthapuram: Mayor V V Rajesh raised serious allegations of corruption and substandard construction in Rajiv Gandhi Awas Yojana (RGAY) apartment project in Harbour ward under Vizhinjam zonal limits of city corporation.Large-scale irregularities took place during the execution of Rs 91-crore housing project undertaken by previous corporation administration, he alleged.According to Rajesh, several apartment blocks have developed major structural defects within just four years of completion. Concrete slabs from the ceilings have reportedly peeled off and fallen inside occupied homes, while cracks have appeared on walls, posing a serious threat to the safety of residents. He alleged that poor-quality construction materials and lapses in execution were responsible for the deterioration. Politicians, officials and the contractor acted in collusion, resulting in large-scale corruption, he alleged.The affected apartment complexes are located at Mailanchikallu, Mathippuram, Kattachal, Valiyaparambu and Thazheveettuvilakam in Harbour ward.Corporation’s steering committee decided to seek a detailed technical assessment from Govt Engineering College, Thiruvananthapuram. The institution will be requested to examine the structural stability, overall construction quality and possible rectification measures for the buildings, besides identifying the reasons behind the defects. Rajesh, along with chairperson of works standing committee, recently inspected the apartments after complaints from residents.The mayor also raised concerns over the quality of several infrastructure projects completed under Smart City Mission in the city. He said defects in newly constructed commercial buildings discouraged traders from occupying shops at Palayam Market and Museum commercial complex. Similar concerns have been raised regarding the multi-level car parking facilities at Palayam and Museum.Rajesh said corporation would demand a forensic audit of Smart City construction works and urge chief secretary to convene an early review meeting to examine the quality of the projects and fix accountability for any lapses.RGAY was launched by Union govt in 2013 to provide housing for slum dwellers. In 2015, the scheme was merged with Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), under which urban housing and slum rehabilitation projects continue to be implemented.
