KOCHI: West Kochi residents' demand for uninterrupted drinking water supply will remain unaddressed for next couple of months as the pipeline laying works for the Piravom project is yet to be completed. During a meeting of the Corporation council on Saturday, councillors from West Kochi area complained of not getting additional water even after commissioning of the Piravom project.
CPM councillor Benedict Fernandez urged Mayor Soumini Jain to immediately intervene in resolving the water scarcity. "Though big consumers like Indian Navy and Port Trust have started getting water from Muvattupuzha River, residents of west Kochi have not been benefitted by the Piravom project," he said.
The councillor also sought the details of the current status of pipe laying works.
Replying to the debate, the Mayor said that pipe laying in three major stretches has to be completed.
"Pipe laying along the Perumanoor pump house - Thevara stretch has been pending as the PWD is yet to sanction the road cutting. Replacing 625 metres of pipeline along the Mattancherry Bridge, at a cost of Rs. 1.8 crore, has already been awarded. Another stretch where new pipe has to be laid is Thoppumpady - Karuvelipady which has already tendered," a Corporation official informed the council.
However, the permission for road cutting can be given only after the Assembly elections. "Since the tender period for Perumanoor pump house - Thevara pipeline laying will expire soon, it should be extended or else the contractor will demand cost escalation," the official added.
In a meeting with the Mayor and top officials of Kerala Water Authority on Friday, the Authority has agreed to chalk out a plan of action to resolve the issues raised by the civic body.
The council meeting also discussed other topics including pre-monsoon cleaning, issues in disbursal of welfare pension to beneficiaries and the delay in repairing pothole-filled roads.
