KWA proposes Rs 2-crore project for West Kochi

KOCHI: The wheels of bureaucracy has finally creaked to tackle the issue of replacing damaged pipelines in West Kochi, with the Kerala Water Authority (KWA)  proposing a project estimated at Rs 2 crores for replacing old and damaged  underground water pipelines in the area. “The estimate has been sent to the Government and we are awaiting approval. Then a detailed report of the prevalent situation will be prepared. After that, tenders will be invited for the project,” said K K Kamalasanan, Assistant Executive Engineer, KWA. “The decision about the project was taken at a high-level meeting to discuss the issue of damaged pipelines  becoming disease carriers in the wake of the fever epidemic in Kochi,” he added.City Express had earlier reported in these columns about the pathetic condition of the underground pipelines that carry potable water to Kochiites. “The project was proposed by Water Resources Minister P J Joseph in June. He had asked us to submit a report and we have completed it.  Right now, we are  awaiting government approval.  After we get the approval, the project will be completed in less than 6 months. Even this extension is because the new pipelines are made-to-order  for the KWA and this will take around 3 months,” said G Vanaja, Superintendent Engineer, KWA.The project involves replacing damaged pipelines in Fort Kochi, Mattanchery and parts of Edakochi. “A total of 32 kilometers of pipeline will be replaced. Out of this, 2 kilometer will be in Edakochi area. Currently we will be concentrating on the major distribution pipelines. All the old pipelines will be replaced with High Density  Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes and 150 mm PVC pipes which are stronger and more durable,” said Kamalasanan.