No takers for ₹57-lakh truss work at Mundamveli apartments

A ₹57 lakh truss installation project built by the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) at the P&T apartment complex in Mundamveli has failed to attract interest from bidders even after re-tendering.

The project is being funded under local MLA KJ Maxy’s development fund. While almost all flats experienced heavy water leakage due to the heavy downpour at the beginning of this week, the delay left 77 families in despair. Just a month after residents moved into the complex from the old P&T Colony in January 2024, leaks started appearing during the first rains in February and have since spread to almost every unit.

The truss installation was cleared after a three-member panel, including an expert from IIT Madras, conducted a structural stability analysis last August. The state government approved consultancy to IIT Madras to identify structural and design defects and recommend solutions after long delays.

However, engineering sources at Kochi Corporation claim that the GCDA is yet to issue a structural stability certificate and without this certificate, the work cannot begin even if the tender is awarded. Meanwhile, GCDA rejected this offer, saying that the tender could only be held after the certificate was issued.

Residents say the problems now go beyond leaking roofs. Its chairman, Abhilash P. Parameswaran, said: “Of the six water tanks of 25,000 liters or more in two blocks, two were leaking heavily, while the other four were scratched, leaving us literally under the shadow of a water bomb. Small cracks in the foundation pillars, initially ignored as air voids, have widened. If the IIT Madras report raises structural stability concerns, the buildings must be demolished and rebuilt to ensure our safety.” P&T Apartment Owners Association.

Meanwhile, other works, including the construction of the campus wall and landscaping, which were suspended following the entry into force of the Model Code of Conduct ahead of local body elections, are yet to continue. In December, the association organized a protest march to the contractor’s home after the work stoppage caused septic tank blockages and disrupted bathroom use.

In a meeting held by District Collector G. Priyanka on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the contractor said that it would not continue the work without Mr. Maxi’s approval as the project was financed through the MLA’s development fund. Mundamveli division councilor KJ Prakashan said the protest had disturbed the contractor and residents should approach the authorities instead.

The association, which boycotted all political parties, fielded Mr. Parameswaran as its candidate from Mundamveli. Residents believe this angered Mr. Maxi, who refused to attend meetings addressing problems at the apartment complex. Mr. Maxi could not be reached for comment.