KWA signs pact for 27-km sewage pipeline project

As part of its efforts to overhaul Kochi’s sewage system, the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) has signed an agreement with the lowest bidder to build a 27 km sewer pipeline to carry sewage from select neighborhoods in the city. The pipeline is one of the three components of the project, which also includes a 5 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and a 17 km collection network. STP’s bidder has also been selected and the contract will be finalized after the technical issues are resolved.

“Preliminary work on the 27-kilometer network will start next week.

A KWA source said that after topographic and social surveys, the installation of the pipeline will be done in August.

The total length of the sewer network that will serve three sections of the city is 44 kilometers. The tender process for the remaining 17 kilometers of the sewer network has started.

“The STP will be able to handle 4.5 MLD of sewage generated in three sections. The wastewater reaching the STP will undergo three-stage purification along with ultra-filtration and the treated water will comply with the standards set by the National Green Tribunal and the Pollution Control Board. There are sections within the city corporation limits that do not have proper sanitation facilities and the project will meet these requirements,” the source said.

The projects are being executed under AMRUT 2.0 Mission and the total cost of the three components is ₹185 crore. 5-MLD STP will come to Elamkulam along with a common treatment plant.

“We need to wait for the monsoon to subside before starting the construction work. This is a multi-disciplinary activity that requires coordination between various government departments. The project also requires a comprehensive social survey to identify flats and other facilities that need to be networked. We are in talks with civic authorities,” the source said.