Power connection delay stalls drinking water project at Kuttimoodu

Thiruvananthapuram: A Rs 176-crore drinking water project at Kuttimoodu aimed at strengthening supply in Attingal's expanding pre-urban belt remains stalled due to pending electrification and slow progress in distribution works.The treatment plant at Kuttimoodu is largely ready, but commissioning has been delayed as electricity for the pumping system is yet to be secured. Officials said the project can proceed only after a mandatory inspection by the Electrical Inspectorate.
Sources in Kerala Water Authority (KWA) Attingal division said electrification work for the transformer installed at the well in Anakutty is currently under way and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. After completion, the installation must be inspected and certified by the Electrical Inspectorate. The contractor can then submit a demand application to Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) through its Vamanapuram section to energise the well and the treatment plant under Kallara section. Although electrification at the treatment plant has been completed, the absence of power supply to the pumping system continues to delay operations. Officials said that even after power connectivity is obtained, full-scale water supply will not begin immediately. Works under Jal Jeevan Mission, including laying PVC ductile iron pipelines to connect overhead service reservoirs to residential areas, are still in progress and are expected to take at least another month. As a result, only partial commissioning is likely in the initial phase. KWA sources said distribution work has slowed in recent months due to funding constraints. "Though work has begun, the pace has been slow as distribution channels to residential areas are still being established," an official associated with the project said. The project was conceived in 2022 under Jal Jeevan Mission and Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). For the project, Rs 87 crore is being allocated by KIIFB and Rs 89.17 crore by JJM. It is expected to meet growing drinking water demand in Pulimath, Nagaroor and Karavara, and ease pressure on existing supply systems in nearby areas. Contract procedures began in 2022 and work commenced in 2023. Once operational, the plant will have a capacity to treat and distribute 18 crore litres of water per day.