KWA to ramp up distribution network

Thiruvananthapuram: To increase its distribution networks, the water resources department has decided to implement bulk water supply scheme. Under the model, local self-government bodies will be given responsibility of operation and maintenance of projects commissioned by the Kerala Water Authority (KWA).
In a press meet here on Monday, water resources minister K Krishnankutty said the KWA is looking at increasing its distribution network by 15%. “Several water treatment plants, with a total capacity of around 1,000 million litres per day (mld), have been lying defunct due to lack of distribution networks. If local bodies express interest, the KWA can give responsibility of operation and maintenance to them. The model was found to be effective in case of Jalanidhi, a World Bank-funded project implemented by the Kerala Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency,” he said.

Viswas Mehta, additional chief secretary, water resources said the KWA has been shifting its focus from asset creation to expansion of distribution networks.

Elaborating on the steps taken by the state government to clear its pending arrears to the KSEB, KWA managing director A Kowsigan said the government would pay the arrears till September 2018.

“Arrears worth Rs 1,320 crore will be paid in four instalments by the finance department. Now, we are planning to pay the KSEB every month without delay. The KWA spends Rs 23 crore per month on payment to the KSEB, which accounts to more than half its monthly revenue of Rs 45 crore,” Kowsigan said. To reduce power charges, the department will install solar plants in land belonging to the KWA and the irrigation department.