URBZ | Office
The urbz office opened two years ago, and the space was found through a local contractor. Over these two years they have had windows put in, installed a toilet and currently have plans to change the roof (which is currently made with asbestos sheeting, a common material in Dharavi), in the interests of both heat and health and safety conditions.
Top floor
Sanganamma | Tenant
Sanganamma's family came to Mumbai 25 years ago, first moving to Ghatkopar and then to Dharavi in the early 1990s. They rented various places before settling into this house five years ago. Her husband used to work in the mills, but when they went bust the family fell on hard times. Her most intense recollection is of the 2005 floods in Mumbai, when some parts of the lane were immersed waist deep in water.
First floor
Malar e Jaffia | Tenants
Malar is the young mother of Jaffia, aged nine; her husband is currently working in Africa. She has been living in this building for the last six years and feels that the area has improved since she has been living here.
First floor
Mohammad and Mohammad | Embroiderers
They are two of four young men living and working in one room. During the day they run an embroidery business; at night the space doubles up as a bedroom.
Ground floor
Raphel | Owner
Raphel has lived in the area since 1957, when the neighbourhood was full of mangroves. His house was given to him and his family, totalling seven members, by the government in 1973. They own the building but live in just three small rooms.
Ground floor
Razak | Tenant
Although he does not live in the building, he has been running his food business from a small kitchen for five years. Razak says that it is a safe neighbourhood with strong community ties.