Kerala orders vigilance inquiry into leaking Kochi apartment complex

Kerala’s Home Department has ordered a preliminary inquiry into alleged irregularities in the construction of the P&T Apartment Complex at Mundamveli in Kochi. An order dated September 22 directs the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau to investigate officials responsible for the alleged irregularities and submit a report to the government within the stipulated period. VACB director Manoj Abraham said a team would be formed and could seek assistance from government engineers and external experts.

The Greater Cochin Development Authority constructed the complex, which consists of two four-storey towers. The project cost was estimated at around ₹14.50 crore and was intended to rehabilitate 77 families from the flood-prone P&T Colony in the Gandhi Nagar division of Kochi Corporation. The project received funding through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, LIFE Mission and Cochin Smart Mission Limited.

The families moved into the apartments on January 31, 2024, but residents said the buildings began leaking during the first heavy rain about two weeks later. They later reported that even the toilets were leaking. The families have been holding an indefinite protest for more than two months.

They welcomed the Vigilance inquiry but said it would not by itself resolve their problems. They are seeking immediate temporary rehabilitation and have said they will leave the complex only after their demands, including fresh rehabilitation with title deeds, are accepted. The complex’s former GCDA chairman K.

Chandran Pillai attributed the defects to design problems that were incompatible with the local climate and high temperatures. The contractor, the Thrissur District Labour Contract Co-operative Society, also said the alleged design defects were beyond its ability to rectify. The GCDA terminated the contractor during the defects liability period in 2025, a decision challenged in the Kerala High Court.

IIT Madras recommended repairs costing ₹25 crore in April 2025, substantially above the original construction cost. The recommendation has been sent to the State government.