Mayor inspects rehab flats amid sanitation concerns

T'puram: Mayor V V Rajesh on Tuesday visited the rehabilitation flat complexes at Mathippuram near Vizhinjam after residents complained about the deteriorating living conditions and mounting waste management issues in the area. The visit followed a petition submitted by harbour ward councillor Afsa Sajina and residents of the coastal housing colonies.The mayor inspected flats at Valiyaparambu, Mailanchikkal and Mathippuram, where several fisher families alleged that they were living in unsafe and unhygienic conditions. Women and fishermen residing in the complexes raised complaints regarding damaged structures, leaking walls, poor sanitation facilities and inadequate maintenance. Some residents also expressed anger against former councillors, alleging that repeated complaints had been unaddressed for years. Fishermen told mayor that waste discharged from nearby hotels into the sea polluted the coastal waters, affecting fishing activities and marine environment. Residents demanded immediate intervention to stop the dumping of waste and improve sanitation systems in the locality. Mathippuram and Muttathara rehabilitation projects were developed under govt's Punargeham scheme, aimed at resettling coastal families affected by sea erosion and Vizhinjam port project. Around 332 flats were handed over to fisher families at Muttathara last year under the rehabilitation programme. Corporation has already proposed a sewage treatment plant at Mathippuram to address septage disposal issues. Rajesh assured residents that the corporation would conduct a detailed study and take steps to resolve the issues.