Kerala: Space crunch worries beneficiaries in Vizhinjam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The recently-inaugurated housing project under the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) is turning out to be how dear the delay in completion of a scheme proves.
The fishermen community of Pattani Colony in Vizhinjam regrets giving away their land for the project. The complex built at the Mathipuram area was aimed at providing housing to 320 families who were residing in the place since their childhood.
Although the project was implemented to give proper housing for the fishermen community, lack of space raises concerns. Pathumma Beevi (75) has forgotten the days she got a good sleep.
The single-room house is being occupied by her daughter and family. As her son is sick, the bed placed in the hall area was given to him and the only option left for her was to sleep under the bed. “I have 10 children and we were happily living in our house, which had seven rooms. We made the biggest mistake of our life by giving our land for the project. I asked for five houses and they have only allotted four houses. As all of my children have a family, two of my children have taken a house for rent and others are residing here in the single-room houses,” said Beevi.
Another major issue being faced by the residents is the monthly payment of a loan of Rs 2,000.
According to Harbour ward councillor Nizamudeen, 50% of the project was funded by the central government and 30% was done by the state government whereas the city corporation and the beneficiaries have to pay the 10%.
“The condition of their houses was really bad and this project has given home to 1,032 people from 298 families. The number of family members has increased as they got married,” said Nizamudeen.