Rickety building residents refuse to move sans rent

"We are ready to evacuate the dilapidated building only if we are given money by the government or Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT) to pay the rent," says Fatema Chinwala, a resident of Sakina Manzil at Pakmodia Street in Bhendi Bazaar. After the Husaini building collapse, residents of neighbouring age-old buildings on the street are living in fear and want authorities to come up with a permanent solution.

The residents are blaming public representatives for not taking timely action. The buildings on Pakmodia Street need repairs but the residents are not willing to rehabilitate as they dread the shabby condition of transit camps that belong to Maharashtra Housing Area and Development Authority (MHADA) and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

"The transit camps are in a pathetic condition and are located in the far suburbs. We have been living in this building since childhood and do not want to suffer from government apathy," said Huzefa Baranwala, a local resident.

"We had complained to government authorities regarding our building but no one paid attention. Our building can collapse anytime and we need a permanent solution. We have been told that the government will help us but we don't see any light in their assurances," said Baranwala.

Amin Patel, Member of Legislative Assembly, said, "I have spoken to the SBUT members and they will be deciding on the financial package factors. So far, few residents have opted to shift to the transit camp located at Chunnabhatti and in a couple of days we will come up with a solution."