Multi-storey building on industrial layout remains idle

A multi-storey building constructed for commercial purpose at the industrial layout in Madikeri a decade ago is lying idle.

Karnataka State Small Industries Development Corporation Ltd (KSSIDC) had constructed the multi-storey building. Though KSSIDC came forward to auction it, no one is showing a keen interest in it.

The work on the building commenced in 2007. Later, due to lack of coordination between the contractor and the department concerned, the work had been stalled. The work on the wall and windows is still pending.

The iron used for the construction has become rusted. The building premises has become a dumping ground for garbage and plastic waste. It has also become a den for illegal activities. Cigarette stubs and gutka packets are seen strewn on the premises.

In its meeting, the KSSIDC had decided to auction the commercial complex based on the market value. In spite of floating tender four times, none of the entrepreneurs came forward to purchase it, said officials.

In the beginning, there was a plan to have a KSSIDC branch office on the first floor, industrial administrative office and commercial stalls on the second floor, electronics spare parts unit on the third floor and parking facility on the ground floor. Unfortunately, none of the aims has been fulfilled so far.

The work on the building commenced in April 2007. The contractor was asked to complete the work by 2008. The contractor had revised the estimate and sought an additional amount from the KSSIDC and also sought additional time to complete the work.

Considering the appeal, KSSIDC extended the deadline to December 2009. As the work had remained incomplete, the deadline was extended to June 2010. Even after so many years, the building has remained incomplete.

Meanwhile, the contractor had approached the court against the KSSIDC. As the work remained incomplete even until 2017, the court passed its order in favour of the KSSIDC. Citing poor quality of work, none are interested to take part in the auction, said sources.

However, residents of nearby areas opined, “Several government offices, including the sub-registrar office, the taluk agriculture department and government women’s degree college do not have there own building and function in a rented building. Instead of auctioning the building, it can be handed over to these government offices.”