Survey, mapping of KWA pipelines within Kochi Corporation limits begin

A Geographic Information System (GIS) survey to assess the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) pipelines within the Kochi Corporation limits has started.

The survey carried out by a private firm is part of the KWA’s water distribution upgrade project. The topographical survey has begun simultaneously in different Corporation wards, and it will soon be followed by a consumer survey.

“The survey is part of the joint project of the KWA and a private firm, which aims to optimise water distribution in Kochi. The project has been awaiting financial sanction from the State government. The work has started without waiting for the sanction so as to not lose any time,” a KWA source said.

The idea is to collect data from consumers regarding their consumption and water requirements. “Mapping of roads, their width, and the position of pipelines is being done as part of the survey. Once this is done, we will take a call on which pipelines need to be retained and those that need to be replaced,” added the source.

The work began a week ago and is being carried out by four teams, with more teams set to join soon. The survey is expected to continue for a few months. The project, jointly financed by the Asian Development Bank and the State government, involves revamping the water distribution system and aims to reduce non-revenue water losses.

The agreement between the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) and the private entity SUEZ was signed in June. In the first year, the focus will be on designing and surveying pipelines, while construction activities are scheduled to begin in the second year.

The KWA is following a design-build-operate-transfer model with the private firm. The company is responsible for upgrading the water distribution network, including its operation and maintenance, for 10 years.