Pending dues lead to leaking pipes

Kochi: The Maradu drinking water project, implemented by the Kerala water authority (KWA) under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) scheme, has contributed to bad roads and drains in West Kochi and Maradu areas than quenching the thirst of the residents.
Eight months after the completion of the project, leakages in water pipelines from the plant to Kumbalam, Kumbalanghi and Port Trust areas remain unplugged as the contractors stay away from carrying out repair works citing pending dues.It has not only damaged roads but also resulted in loss of huge quantity of drinking water.
Though there is a contractual obligation that the contractors should carry out repair works for a period of one year, they are not ready to carry out the work.
As per the estimate provided by the officials of the JNNURM project, the arrears to contractors would come around Rs 40 crore. Though the KWA officials approached its head office seeking interim release of funds, there request is yet to be considered.
Areas like Maradu, Kumbalam, Kumbalangi, Thammanam and Port get drinking water from the plant at Maradu. "Of the five major pipelines to these areas, the pipeline to Port is worst hit by leaks. Along the 7km stretch, we have identified eight leaks. Many areas which were dug up months ago are yet to be restored," said Anil Kumar K K, superintendent engineer, JNNURM project, Kochi. He added that it would require at least Rs 20 lakh to carry out urgent repair works.
"The corporation had agreed to pay Rs 25 crore for the JNNURM project since many corporation residents will also benefit from it. A memorandum of understanding was also signed with the local body in this regard. But the corporation is yet to provide the amount," Anil Kumar said.
Maradu municipality councillor P R Santhosh said that trenches dug up for laying pipelines and drains demolished for the purpose near Nettoor pose threats to the residents. "The trenches with a depth of 10-20ft dug up for laying the pipes still remain open. Chances of pedestrians falling into these pits are high," he said. "A drainage line in the area, which was dug up to lay pipes with the promise that it would be covered immediately after the work, has been remaining open even after laying pipes," he said.
Meanwhile, the contractors said that they used to carry out repair works. "We are carrying out the repair works in a phased manner. During the first year, which is considered as stabilizing period for the pipelines, there would be leaks. It would take time for us to plug all the leaks," a contractor said.
"The KWA owe us huge money. If they release the arrears, it will be a motivating factor," he said.