The stage is set for the commencement of construction work on package 3 of phase-II underground drainage (UGD) project in the city.
The project, which is to be implemented at a cost of ₹344 crore, has been split into three packages so as to carry out construction works simultaneously. Of them, the Tiruchi Corporation had already begun the construction of first and second packages.
The Centre and State government and the Tiruchi Corporation share the project cost on a 50:30:20 ratio. The project is being implemented under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation.
A sum of ₹48 crore is earmarked for the package 3. Construction of sewage treatment plant (STB) is among the important features of the package. The plant will come up at Keezha Kalkandarkottai and have a capacity to treat 37 MLD (million liters per day) of sewage.
Sources told The Hindu that the process of tender had almost been completed for package 3 and the tender award committee had cleared it. An agreement between the Corporation and the successful bidder would be signed in a few days. Construction work is likely to begin in February.
Stating that construction works under the packages I and II were going on as per plan, a senior official of the Corporation said that the project would be completed within three years. Since it was being executed under three packages, chances were bright for completing the project before the scheduled date.
He said the phase-II of the project would cover wards 28, 29, 30, 61 and 62 fully and wards 7-9, 12-15, 21, 27, 31, 46, 52-54, 57-60 and 63-65 partially. Sewer lines would be laid for a distance of 319 km and pumping mains for 22 km to provide 43,147 individual connections. Construction of 23 lifting stations and 7 pumping stations were among major components of the project. The treated sewage is planned to be used for agriculture.
Residential and commercial areas, including Sanjivi Nagar, AUT Colony in Woraiyur, Fathima Nagar, Vekkaliamman Nagar, Cauvery Nagar, John thoppu, Devathanam, Ananda avenue, Dharanallur (North), Pichai Nagar, Viswas Nagar, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Akilandeswari Nagar, Natharsha Pallivasal, Maris Avenue, Friends Enclave, Raja Colony, Ammaiyappa Nagar, Geetha Nagar, Annamalai Nagar and Jayam Nagar would be covered.