Thiruvananthapuram: Vigilance has handed over the report of the expert committee that the Life Mission flat complex in Vadakancherry is not in bad condition to the government. Once the building is found to be strong, it is up to the government to decide whether to proceed with the construction. The decision will have to be made on whether to complete the building with government funds or use the funds of private agencies. The Life project came under controversy following the gold smuggling case became controversial and the construction of the building came to a halt.
Out of the Rs 18.50 crore sanctioned by the Red Crescent through the UAE Consulate, the plan is to build 140 flats at a cost of Rs 14.50 crore. The agreement was to build a health center with the remaining amount. The agreement was signed on July 11, 2019. The government has directed a vigilance probe following contractor Unitac MD Santosh Eepan admitted that he had paid bribes to the accused in the Rs 4.48 crore gold smuggling case, including Sapna.
In September 2020, a special unit of Vigilance in Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram registered a case. The proposal was to look into the contract with Life Mission and the Red Crescent, how Unitac was part of the deal, how much it paid in commission, and the role of the defendants in the gold smuggling case in the deal. An expert committee was also tasked to check the strength of the building. After conducting a hammer test to test the strength of the pillars and a core test to cut the concrete, the team came to the conclusion that there was no damage.
English Summary: Wadakkanchery Life Mission Project: Report of Expert Committee Handed over to Government by Vigilance
