Damaged roofs and cracks on walls are not the only issues plaguing the Kalluthankadavu apartment complex in Kozhikode. The space is weak to communicable illnesses, together with leptospirosis and malaria, resulting from unhygienic waste disposal strategies.

The sewage remedy plant (STP) within the complicated has been non-functional for a 12 months or extra, and makes an attempt to revive it have fallen flat owing to lack of funds.

“The motor that pumps water into the blower that mixes chemicals used to treat sewage is out of order. It was repaired once but soon broke down again. The company gives only two-year warranty for the motor. The repair may cost at least ₹2 lakh, but the residents have no funds to repair it,” mentioned Rajan Karamoola, the STP operator appointed by the residents’ society.

With the STP out of order, sewage is being diverted immediately from the constructing to a close-by canal by way of drains. The drains are clogged, and water spills over into the courtyard. The canal into which sewage is emptied can also be polluted, posing well being threat to individuals.

Meanwhile, the yard of the constructing is a sore sight. The space is roofed in heaps of rubbish thrown out of home windows and balconies by the residents themselves, whereas lots of of rats have discovered their house within the heaps. “The Kozhikode Corporation does not collect waste from here regularly. These are small flats and hence the residents find it highly inconvenient to store waste for a long time,” mentioned Mr. Karamoola.

However, P.Ok. Nassar, the Corporation councillor representing the locality, has a distinct perspective. “The residents here are least cooperative when it comes to waste management. They throw garbage out despite repeated warnings,” he mentioned, including that the presence of rats posed an enormous well being threat. He mentioned the Corporation had put aside ₹10 lakh for the restore of the STP and the leaking ingesting water tank.