Mysuru: The dilapidated Bannimantap Housing Complex (on Jodi Thenginamara Road) built under NURM scheme is facing a threat of collapse following incessant rains.

The multi-storey housing complex was constructed to provide housing for the poor and its present state reflects the apathy of the Government and the callousness of contractors who built the complex in a sub-standard manner.

The complex, built around four years back, lies in a low-lying area and only economically weaker sections live there. As heavy rains lashed the city yesterday, one block in the housing complex that is about to collapse has been vacated and 12 families have been rehabilitated at Aleemnagar.

When rains lashed the area yesterday, water gushed inside this low-lying area. The force of the water was such that the compound wall built around the housing complex collapsed and water entered into the basement of the complex. Added to the woes of the residents, power lines snapped and the area plunged into darkness.

“We don’t have anywhere to go and all of us are living here in the atmosphere of fear. Not a single Slum Clearance Board official visited us since yesterday though a couple of Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) officials came and assured us of immediate help,” alleged a resident of the housing complex. As water filled the basement, the residents realised that their houses were under threat and informed their relatives in Aleemnagar. Several families moved out of the complex and were rehabilitated by their relatives and friends.

Due to water gushing inside the basement, certain parts of the building foundation gave away and water entered inside.

Realising the gravity of the situation, Ward 44 SDPI President Sameer Hussain and other leaders including Sameer and Imran alerted the MCC authorities and officials from Slum Clearance Board. Constituency MLA and Primary and Secondary Education Minister Tanveer Sait was informed and based on his directive, a team of Slum Clearance Board officials visited the place.

Board’s Executive Engineer Kapanigowda claimed that there was no damage to the houses. This enraged the residents who demanded in writing from him that the buildings were safe.

Taken aback by the demand of the residents, Kapanigowda agreed that he would send a team of experts to inspect the building and certify that if it is worthy of living.