Bantwal: The dream of owning a safe and permanent home remains unfulfilled for Vanitha Shetty of Jarandgudde, nearly two years after her mud-walled house collapsed, leaving her and her three daughters in distressing living conditions.
What began as a hopeful effort to secure stability and reduce rental expenses has now turned into a prolonged struggle, as financial constraints continue to delay the completion of a partially constructed house.
House construction stalled at final stage
Vanitha Shetty had earlier purchased the house with the intention of saving rent and ensuring a better future for her children, particularly their education. However, after the structure collapsed, the Bantwal Bantara Sangha stepped in and took responsibility for constructing a new house.
While the organisation managed to complete most of the construction work, the project has now stalled at a crucial final stage due to a lack of expected donor support. The incomplete house, located in Jarandgudde, currently stands surrounded by overgrown vegetation, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding its completion.
Only a few essential works remain, including installation of doors and windows, plastering of walls and electrical fittings. However, without sufficient funds, these final steps have been delayed indefinitely.
Concerns over theft and material wastage
Adding to the family’s worries is the risk of theft of construction materials. Items such as sand and cement, which were donated by well-wishers, are lying unused at the site and are gradually going to waste.
As Vanitha is the sole earning member of the family, she is forced to leave the construction site unattended while she goes to work. This has heightened fears that the materials could be stolen or misused, further complicating efforts to complete the house.
The lack of security and supervision has made it increasingly difficult to safeguard whatever progress has been made so far.
Education of daughters under threat
The financial strain has begun to affect the education of Vanitha Shetty’s three daughters, all of whom are described as academically talented.
Her eldest daughter, currently studying in II PUC, had aspirations of pursuing higher education. However, due to the mounting financial burden on the family, she has reportedly decided to discontinue her studies after completing her current course.
This development highlights the broader impact of the family’s housing crisis, where basic needs such as shelter are taking precedence over education and long-term aspirations.
Living in harsh conditions
At present, the family resides in a small makeshift hut nearby, which serves as their only shelter. The living conditions are particularly challenging during the monsoon season, when water seeps into the ground and makes the floor damp and uncomfortable.
For the past two monsoons, Vanitha has been using jute sacks spread across the wet floor, placing mats on top to create a sleeping area for herself and her daughters. Despite these efforts, the conditions remain far from adequate, posing health and safety concerns.
The daily struggle to manage basic needs while working to support her family has placed an immense burden on Vanitha.
A plea for support
Vanitha Shetty has expressed hope that completing the house at the earliest will bring much-needed relief to her family and allow her to focus on her daughters’ education.
“I wish to educate all my three daughters, but the responsibility of building the house has made my situation even more difficult. Many donors have extended support to the best of their ability, and the construction is in its final stage. However, the burden of completing the house has become an obstacle to my dream of educating my children. Managing daily life itself has become a struggle,” she said.
Conclusion
The situation of Vanitha Shetty underscores the challenges faced by vulnerable families in securing basic housing and education. While community support has helped bring the house close to completion, the final phase remains critical. Timely assistance could not only provide the family with a secure home but also ensure that the children’s educational aspirations are not cut short.