Mangalore: MCC work results in collapse of St Antony's Ashram compound wall

Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (VM)

Mangalore, Mar 12: The compound wall of St Antony's Ashram at Jeppu here collapsed following repair work by workers of Mangalore City Corporation.

The incident occured on Tuesday March 12 morning when the MCC workers were repairing a broken water pipe outside the compound.

It is said that the workers were removing mud near the compound with the help of a JCB earthmover and depositing it near wall, resulting in its collapse.

Speaking to daijiworld, Fr George, assitant director of St Antony's Charity Institution said that the ashram is about 115 years old and there are 400 inmates including the homeless, sick and mentally ill. "For safety reasons, the wall is built very high. Now to repair the wall it may take around Rs 10 lac," he said.

The work was stopped following the incident.

Police and the area corporator too were called to the spot and demand for relief from the MCC was placed.

Fr George said that a similar incident had taken place two years ago, when work by MCC had resulted in the partial collapse of the wall. The case is still pending, he added.

Speaking to daijiworld, Falnir corporator Jacintha Alfred said that the water pipe had been leaking and mud was being removed in order to repair it. She assured that MCC would take up the issue and rebuild the compound wall for the ashram.