THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The flats that were handed over by the government to the families of fishermen on October 31 were closed on Friday. The residents were told to give back the keys to the fisheries department. This has again negatively impacted the lives of the fishermen. The keys were taken back by the officials as the water connection and electricty connection is not yet provided and since the tansformer is not properly working. The officials had not allowed fishermen to sleep there temporarily, even during the times of floods. Fishermen Federation state president P Stellus has allleged a conspiracy behind the hasty decision to inaugurate the flats.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan handed over keys of 192 flats, built for families of fishermen, whose homes were destroyed due to sea erosion in various villages in Thiruvananthapuram district.

The 'Prathiksha' (Hope) apartment complex, built at nearby Muttathara, will rehabilitate the families who were rendered homeless by ea erosion and rough seas in Valiyathura, Cheriyathura and other fishing villages here.

The first-of-its-kind project has been constructed by the state government under Mission LIFE (Livelihood Inclusion and Financial Empowerment) which envisages a comprehensive housing scheme for all the landless and homeless in the state.

Each flat has two bedrooms, a hall, a kitchen and a lavatory.

The complex also has amenities like a library, community hall and sanitation facilities, constructed at a cost of rs 2.5 Crore.

It will also help relocate fishing families living in areas close to the sea.

Situated on 3.5 acres, these 24 units of eight flats each were constructed at a cost of rs 20 Crore.

"The apartment complex in Muttathara is the best flat complex so far constructed for fisherfolk", Vijayan said in a tweet.

The fishing families rendered homeless in the 2016 sea erosion at Veliyathur and those who had lost their homes in rough seas since 2012 and were forced to live in schools turned into relief camps are beneficiaries of the project.

"The keys were taken back as the water connection is not yet provided. The works will be completed within Monday", said Beena, deputy director of Fisheries department.