2,000 new housing board flats to come up

COIMBATORE: Over 2,000 families of government employees who live in dilapidated housing board flats in the Race Course area can now breathe easy.
The state government has allocated Rs 300 crore to Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) for the demolition of ruined flats and construction of 2000 new flats at Kavundampalayam, a little away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The flat complex to come up in Kavundampalayam will have modern facilities including lift. Though the detailed estimate will be prepared later, construction works will be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 300 crore.
The houses will be categorized into three types, A, B, C, which will be 1,200 sq ft, 1000 sq ft and 800 sq ft respectively. This is 200 sq ft more (in each category) than the older government housing.
The new complex will have 10 floors and the construction will be able to sustain large earthquakes and other natural calamities. The building will have lifts and residents will have adequate space to relax within the compound. The present housing complex has 500 houses which will be demolished for the construction of the 2000 new houses.
Howerver, the residents continue to live in the TNHB residence, despite being served their notices. S Nirmala, a resident at DFO Colony has been living there for the past 25 years. She confirms that they have received their notices, but no alternative living arrangements have been made so far by the authorities, thereby, making it difficult for them to move out.
"Time and again we have complained about the poor maintenance and the need to repair many of the buildings. But our pleas fell on the deaf ears," said P Vijay, another resident.
The notice states that the government or TNHB will not be responsible for any untoward incidents that happen and residents should vacate with immediate effect, he said.