MUMBAI: Mhada has announced the long-pending redevelopment of four unsafe transit buildings at Sion Pratiksha Nagar after concerns raised by residents.The housing agency has cancelled the proposal for middle income group (MIG) sale buildings and decided to construct new transit accommodation at the site instead.The decision will benefit 261 families and four shop owners from transit building Nos. 36, 37, 53 and 54. Mhada said two new buildings of stilt plus 22 floors, comprising 322 transit tenements, will be constructed, and eligible residents will be rehabilitated. The project is expected to be completed within two years.“The four buildings had developed structural cracks due to an underground water pipeline passing beneath them. Following residents’ complaints we conducted a structural audit through IIT Bombay, which recommended redevelopment of the buildings. Until the new transit buildings are completed, Mhada will grant temporary alternative accommodation with rent support for the residents,” the agency said in a press note.Mhada VP and CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal said residents’ long-standing demand for rehabilitation within the same layout had been accepted.
