Good hope on water front

KWA expects a major share of Budget outlay

The capital city may find its battered water supply system get better, if the recent initiatives and plans from the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) do not remain on paper.

While the much-awaited JICA water supply project in the city is expected to be commissioned by the end of this year, work is progressing on replacement of the controversial 1200mm transmission main line from Aruvikkara to the city with Water Resources Minister P.J. Joseph reiterating that the work will be completed by June end.

At the same time, the KWA is upbeat that Finance Minister K.M. Mani’s Budget has included Rs.90 crore for replacement of old and corroded pipeline networks across the State.

Nearly half of this amount could come in for the State capital, with the KWA having submitted a Rs.40-crore project for replacing distribution pipelines in the city just before the Budget.

The project envisages replacing cast iron pipes, including the one that passes through Peroorkada-Oolampara-Pipinmoodu-Sasthamangalam-Vellayambalam via General Hospital and Petta, and another one that stretches from Ambalamukku via Muttada, Vayalikada, Kumarapuram, Ulloor and the Medical College region, apart from a few other minor distribution lines.Even as KWA officials say these two major replacements, that of the 1200mm transmission main and the two distribution lines, will solve the recurring supply disruption and water shortage issues in the city, how long the entire process will take remains a big question

Pipe burst

On Saturday, a distribution line burst on the Muttada-Vayalikada road. According to the KWA officials, the damage is minor and that supply to only a few areas including Kesavadasapuram and Pattom will be disrupted for a few hours.