KOCJI: The laying of modernised pipes in the pumping lines to strengthen the water supply network in the city will begin by next month. The tender for the replacement of old pipes in three major pumping lines has already been allotted at an estimated cost of Rs 10.4 crore. The modernisation work is a part of the water supply project envisaged under the Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project (KSUDP). "The majority of pipes laid for pumping are old. These age-old cement pipes cannot withstand the optimum pressure required for water to reach long distances so they have to be replaced," said a Corporation official. He said that as per the modernisation of the water supply network, the old pipes will be replaced with 700 mm ductile iron (DI) pipes. The work has been awarded to Viswanathan, an independent contractor. "The pipes have already been purchased. Of the three works, initially the old pipes on the stretch between Palarivattom and Thammanam Ananthapuri temple will be replaced with DI pipes," he said.The official said that the work of the second major pipeline from Perumanoor pump house to Thevara Junction will be the second major work. "Another work that will be carried out is the renovation of the existing pipeline from Elamkulam to Pandarachira. The work will cover a total of 2-km-stretch. Here the old cement pipes will be replaced with 300 mm high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes," he said.The term of the contract is 12 months and the official said that the work is expected to be completed within the stipulated time. "Once modernised, the new pipes are expected to offer more stability to the water supply network and will help reduce cases related to pipe bursts that affect the water supply," he said.Meanwhile, another project under the KSUDP for the renovation of the Aluva Water Treatment Plant is yet to gather momentum. The Rs 14.3-crore project includes renovation of the pumping head, replacement of old pump sets and filter media and construction of an underground water sump pump.
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