NAB Golden Jubilee Building Construction Project
GOLDEN JUBILEE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
In the initial stages, the Association was functioning in rented premises. Later on, with support from Life Members of NAB and other Well-wishers, an old building was bought in the Manchadivila Residential Area at Kowdiar in Nanthancode Ward of Thiruvananthapuram City and the Office was shifted to this building. This building was later renovated with financial support from Service Organizations like Y’s Men International. The Training & Rehabilitation Centre of NAB Kerala has been functioning in the premises utilizing also the space on the rooftop of the old and dilapidated garage building which was existing there for some of the activities. Acute scarcity of space is hampering many of our activities. The steps in the front leading to the premises from the road are very steep causing a lot of inconvenience to the disabled persons attending the Training & Rehabilitation Centre. To provide a ramp approach with an easy gradient is practically impossible. Therefore we have been planning to construct a new building in the area available in the front yard, as an extension to the existing building, with provision for an elevator so as to solve the problem of scarcity of space and provide barrier-free access to the disabled. In 2011-12 we had prepared the plan for the proposed new extension with the intention to take up the construction as part of the Golden Jubilee Projects. However sheerly due to the poor financial position, we were unable to take up the work at that time. Now with increased activities, the need for more space has become acute and critical. The General Body Meeting of NAB Kerala in the month of August 2018 considered the matter and after having been convinced about the need for constructing the new building decided to go ahead with the construction project. Er. J. Jayakumar, Vice President (Projects), NAB Kerala was entrusted with the task of identifying the Architect for the project and finalizing the plan and estimate and obtaining Construction Permit from the City Corporation. Also, a Project Committee and a Core Committee were constituted to take care of the Construction.
Er. J. Jayakumar contacted leading Architects M/s. Keerthi & Bhavana and they offered to render their service free of cost.
Projects Committee approved the selection of the Architect and the plan of the building, in three floors, with a total area of 2700 sq.ft. Soil investigation also was carried out.
Based on a rough cost estimate the total cost including the cost of the elevator would be around Rs. 100 lakhs. Corporation Permit for constructing the building as an extension to the existing building has been obtained. Structural Designs and Detailed Estimates have been finalised by the Architect.
Foundation stone was laid by Mr. S.N. Raghuchandran Nair, Former Vice President & G.C. Member of Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association of India, along with the function held in connection with Observance of the World Sight Day during 15th to 27th October 2018. The new building will have adequate space, a ramp access from the road and an elevator that caters to the existing & new building which are essential to make it user-friendly for the Visually Challenged.
It has been scheduled to commence the construction work in the first week of January 2019 and to complete it by September 2019.
This project will cost around Rs. 100 lakhs and the Association, therefore, solicits your whole-hearted financial support, patronage and blessings for the successful completion of this project for the benefit of a large number of Visually Challenged Persons in the State of Kerala.
Thanking you;
Yours faithfully
Josey Joseph
Hon. General Secretary & General Executive Officer,
NAB Kerala
