Pipeline laying for the Edakochi sewage treatment plant project remains suspended

Monsoon rains have thrown a wrench into Kochi Corporation’s Rs 186 million sewage treatment plant project in Edakochi.

The laying of pipelines for the project, which missed several deadlines, was suspended after the onset of monsoon. A few cases of walls collapsing after digging for laying the pipelines were reported in the area. This led to public displeasure and an additional financial burden on the contractor executing the work. Hence, according to the civic authorities, it was decided to stop the work until the weather conditions improve.

Of the 20 km network of main pipelines that needs to be developed, only 3.25 km could be laid. Besides the main pipelines, pipes connecting nearly 2,200 individual houses in Kochi Corporation’s Edakochi ward, where the project is being implemented, to the main lines also need to be laid. The civic body faces a tough task of completing the pipe-laying work within five months as it has to complete the project by then and submit a certificate of utilisation of funds to the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) authorities, which has funded the project, the civic body pointed out.

Although the laying of the pipes could not be completed on time, the work on the sewage treatment plant was completed on time. The construction work on the project is progressing, city officials said.

The project was conceived as part of efforts to establish decentralized sewage treatment plants in the city.