Kochi Initial assessments by expert teams deployed by the Kochi Corporation have revealed that persistent waterlogging in the basement of the civic body’s main office building may have compromised the structure’s stability.
This situation necessitates remedial measures, which, according to preliminary findings, can be executed in a non-destructive manner. The cellar of the building, located at Marine Drive and currently under construction, has been experiencing severe waterlogging issues even during the peak summer season. In response, the corporation has commissioned two expert teams to investigate the underlying causes of the waterlogging and to propose viable solutions. The expert teams are expected to submit their detailed reports within a week. A source close to the matter stated, “The basement construction was likely completed around 2010, making it approximately 14 years old. There have been reports of cracks in three or four areas within the basement, which are believed to have developed over the past couple of years. The experts are tasked with identifying the causes of the waterlogging and suggesting appropriate restoration methods.”
Preliminary assessments indicate that the necessary rectification work could be completed within a 45-day timeframe. Importantly, the restoration is expected to be non-destructive, ensuring that no further damage is inflicted on the existing structure. “Based on initial findings from one of the teams, the non-destructive mode of restoration appears feasible and can be accomplished without compromising the integrity of the existing building,” the source added.
Following the submission of the expert reports, the Kochi Corporation will need to have these findings vetted by reputable agencies such as the National Institute of Technology (NIT). This step is crucial to ensure that the proposed solutions are scientifically sound and will effectively address the stability issues identified. The persistent waterlogging, despite the dry season, has raised significant concerns about the construction quality and the long-term viability of the building. The experts’ findings will be pivotal in determining the root cause of the waterlogging, which could range from inadequate drainage systems to flaws in the original construction. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the potential risks associated with structural instability, particularly in a civic building that is expected to serve as a crucial hub for administrative activities. The corporation’s proactive steps in deploying expert teams reflect a commitment to ensuring the safety and functionality of its infrastructure.
The forthcoming expert reports will be critical in guiding the Kochi Corporation’s next steps. The focus will be on implementing effective, non-destructive restoration measures to address the waterlogging and reinforce the building’s stability, thereby safeguarding it for future use. Opposition councillors in the corporation have demanded that local body authorities should take urgent steps to ensure structural stability. “Waterlogging which has been going on for a long period might have weakened the structure. Authorities should continue other works on the building only after ensuring stability of the structure,” opposition leader Antony Kureethara said. He also criticised corporation authorities for the negligent attitude on their part in paving floor tiles before completing other work.
