KOCHI: In a landmark move towards addressing housing inequality and fostering social upliftment, the Maradu municipality has proudly inaugurated the Mahatma Ayyankali Housing Complex. This cutting-edge residential facility, specifically designed to provide dignified living spaces for Scheduled Caste (SC) families who previously lacked land or adequate housing within the municipal limits, received its official unveiling by opposition leader V.D. Satheesan on Thursday.
The newly constructed complex, sprawling over 6,856 sq ft, features eight modern, independent flats. Each unit is meticulously planned to offer residents comfort and functionality, including a spacious living area, a well-equipped kitchen, a private balcony, and two bedrooms, each with an attached bathroom. This initiative underscores the municipality’s commitment to providing not just shelter, but quality homes that enhance the lives of its beneficiaries.
During the inaugural ceremony, V.D. Satheesan commended the Maradu municipality, emphasizing that their progressive development endeavors, particularly this housing project, serve as a beacon for other local self-governing bodies across the state. He highlighted that such projects, which prioritize the holistic development and well-being of marginalized communities, offer crucial inspiration for implementing similar transformative initiatives within his own constituency.
The strategic acquisition of land for this significant project, located in division 30 of the municipality, took place in the fiscal year 2015-16, with an investment of Rs 87.88 lakh. The subsequent construction of the entire complex represented a substantial investment of Rs 2.68 crore, reflecting the municipality’s dedication to this cause. The key handover ceremony was presided over by municipal chairman Antony Ashanparambil and graced by the esteemed presence of Hibi Eden, Member of Parliament, K. P. Babu, Member of Legislative Assembly, and various municipal councillors, signifying a collaborative effort in this developmental stride.
Coinciding with the global observance of World Environment Day on June 5th, the inauguration also saw a symbolic gesture by V.D. Satheesan, who planted a fruit-tree sapling on the complex’s premises. This act underscored the municipality’s commitment to integrating environmental sustainability with social welfare, promoting green living spaces alongside improved housing. World Environment Day, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) since 1973, is a global platform for environmental awareness and action, with the 2025 theme focusing on “ending plastic pollution globally,” making the municipality’s tree-planting a timely and relevant contribution to broader environmental goals.
This housing complex is one of several development initiatives undertaken by the Maradu municipality, which has also been proactive in areas such as gifting land deeds to extremely poor families and launching innovative lifestyle monitoring programs to combat health issues among its residents. The municipality has previously leveraged collaborations, such as with the K Chittilappilly Foundation, to accelerate housing projects under schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), demonstrating a comprehensive approach to urban development and social equity. This ongoing commitment positions Maradu as a pioneering local body in its efforts to create a more inclusive and sustainable urban environment for all its citizens.
