Thiruvananthapuram: The Malayalis' desire to build stronger houses has contributed to a drop in housebreaking cases. The statistics also show that the houses in Kerala are durable and strong.
As per the 2001 census data, only 26 per cent houses in the state had concrete roofs then. Around 57 per cent had tiled roofs and 4.3 per cent sheet (asbestos/metal/GI) roofs.
By the next census in 2011, around 48 per cent houses had concrete roofs. Only around 37 per cent had tiled roofs and 9 percent sheet roofs. The numbers have presumable improved by 2017.
The data show that the walls and grills also have become stronger. In 2001, mud and unburnt bricks formed the walls of 24.8 per cent of households in Kerala. By 2011 the number was reduced to 10.3 per cent, and 48 per cent had brick houses packed with mortar. In fact, 2.9 per cent houses had concrete walls.
"Building stronger houses for the poor should be among our important goals. The Jisha murder case had shown the need to have stronger houses to avoid the threat of criminals," said architect G. Shankar.
