THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After nearly two decades of uncertainty, residents of Karimadom Colony are beginning to see hope. The Basic Services for the Urban Poor (BSUP) rehabilitation project, which was initiated in 2008 but came to a halt in 2023, has now received technical sanction. Costs, designs, and timelines have been finalized, following ongoing criticism of civic indifference and politically motivated delays.
The local self-government department has formally approved the plan, which aims to provide homes for all 105 families affected. “The project is officially sanctioned, and Costford, the designated agency, will oversee construction,” stated Jahamgeer S, the corporation’s secretary. “Construction will start within a month of signing the agreement, aiming for completion within a year. Each unit will cost Rs 21 lakh, with 105 units planned, and the land is ready for development.”
For residents, this news offers a glimmer of hope after years of inadequate compensation and unfulfilled promises. Since 2023, the corporation has offered each family only Rs 2,000 per month for temporary lodging—an amount many feel is far too little given the lack of essential amenities.
Ward councillor K K Suresh remarked, “This shows the corporation’s negligence in properly rehabilitating residents. For two years, they have received a meager monthly rent while struggling without basic facilities. The sudden action appears driven more by the approaching local body elections than by genuine concern.”
However, a source close to the corporation indicated that delays stemmed from beneficiaries not providing the necessary documentation. “Many families lack documents or ID cards. Some beneficiaries have passed away, and their families do not have the requisite papers. We are working to resolve these issues before rehabilitation can proceed,” the source explained.
Residents expressed their frustration as well. Stella Sebastian, a mother of three, stated, “Every day, I worry about my children getting sick in these damp and cramped shelters. Rs 2,000 doesn’t even cover basic hygiene, let alone safety. We’ve waited long enough.”
Another resident, Sathyan P, lamented, “We have heard promises since 2008 when the BSUP scheme was first proposed for Karimadom. Yet, here we are, still stuck in makeshift homes without proper toilets or electricity. This project must start soon and be completed.”
Indeed, the project’s roots trace back to 2008, when plans under the BSUP framework, later integrated into initiatives like the Life Mission, aimed to replace 105 temporary homes. Unfortunately, tangible progress has been scarce over the years.
Architectural firm Costford has been involved in affordable housing solutions for the colony. Their designs, inspired by Laurie Baker, include multi-story buildings with terraces and balconies intended to provide dignity and practicality for low-income residents, merging affordability with user-focused design.
