The local authorities are gearing up to carry out a significant housing initiative at Mattathara. The main aim is to relocate the residents of Vikalanga colony, who currently reside in challenging conditions, and also provide housing for beneficiaries enlisted under the LIFE mission. To achieve this, the local authorities have invited expressions of interest (EoI) from consulting agencies that are not directly involved in project management. The goal is to effectively execute the housing project, which is budgeted at Rs 20 crore and will occupy a 2-acre plot of land. The plan entails shifting approximately 100 families from the Vikalanga Colony to the new housing complex. Additionally, beneficiaries of the LIFE mission from Vallakadavu and neighboring wards will also be relocated to this new complex. According to the preliminary blueprint, each apartment unit will span an area of 550 square feet. Shajida Nazar, the councilor of Vallakadavu ward and chairperson of the development standing committee, explained that the 2-acre land was initially earmarked for housing the fishing community. However, a separate project for fishermen, known as the 'Punargeham' project, is already underway on a different plot in Muttahara. The effort to provide rehabilitation for over 100 individuals on less than one cent of land has been ongoing for a number of years. Almost 48 years ago, the settlement for individuals with disabilities was established in Muttathara. Given that the population predominantly consisted of people with disabilities, the settlement came to be known as the 'Vikalanga Colony'. Previously, the city corporation had sought the transfer of 1.5 acres in Muttathara that was originally designated for a sewage farm under construction. The plan was to develop model residential villas for the residents, but unfortunately, this plan never came to fruition. Another housing project for fishermen is also in progress at Muttathara. This project will provide around 400 flats spread across an area of 20,250 square meters on an 8-acre land parcel for the fishing community. In the upcoming apartment complex at Muttathara, a total of 102 fishermen families who currently reside in a warehouse in Valiyathura will be given accommodation. Among them, two families have already built their own houses. Furthermore, 182 families have been identified as either living in rental properties or with relatives. One family has purchased a house. To enable the construction of the apartment complex, the government issued an order transferring eight acres from the dairy development department to the fisheries department. This land will be utilized for the construction of the new housing facility. See also: GCDA's LIFE Mission housing project set for month-end launchPrestige Estates to debut Rs.16 billion housing project