The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a substantial $170 million loan to catalyze the modernization of water supply services in Kochi, a rapidly growing city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. This transformative initiative aims to enhance urban living standards, ensure clean water access, and fortify climate resilience.
Background :
Kochi, often referred to as the commercial capital of Kerala, has experienced rapid urbanization, emerging as one of India’s fastest-growing urban centers. Despite nearly universal water coverage, the city faces challenges such as intermittent supply, ranging from 5 to 24 hours a day. The situation is exacerbated by the common sight of tanker trucks delivering water to areas with low water pressure and inadequate supply. Climate-related issues, including severe dry spells and droughts in 2016, have further strained water availability.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation :
With climate projections indicating increased variability in rainfall frequency and rising temperatures, the project emphasizes the importance of reliable and safe water services as a critical climate adaptation strategy. The goal is to address the impact of climate change on water availability and ensure sustainable urban development.
Project Overview :
Infrastructure Upgrade :
* Rehabilitation and upgrade of five existing water treatment plants with a total production capacity of 325 million liters per day (MLD).
* Construction of a new plant with a capacity of 190 MLD.
Distribution System Enhancement :
* Replacement of approximately 700 kilometers of pipes to minimize treated water loss.
* Introduction of a real-time monitoring system for efficient distribution.
Metering System Improvement :
* Upgrade of around 146,000 water meters to high-quality and reliable models.
Preventive Maintenance and Asset Management :
* Implementation of long-term performance-based contracts for operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation activities.
Institutional Strengthening :
The project aims to enhance the capacity of the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) through:
* Introduction of a mobile app for billing and collection.
* Development of a geographic information system-based maintenance management system.
* Upgrading of the laboratory information system.
* Comprehensive training for technical and managerial staff.
Inclusive Initiatives :
Female Employment Focus :
* Special emphasis on training initiatives to promote female employment in the construction, operation, and maintenance of water supply systems.
Community Engagement :
* Community awareness programs with active participation from women (50%).
* Topics include household supply, water audits, water quality, hygiene, menstrual hygiene, and waterborne diseases.
ADB’s Commitment : Established in 1966 and owned by 68 members, ADB consistently champions sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. The endorsement of the Kochi water modernization project aligns with ADB’s broader goals of eradicating extreme poverty and fostering prosperity, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability.