Rs 1,000-crore project to end water woes

KOCHI: In a major initiative to find a solution to the drinking water woes of West Kochiites, a Rs 1,000-crore project is being prepared by the state government in association with various agencies. The project, which is expected to be completed in three years, will benefit the residents of Varappuzha, Cheranalloor, Eloor, Mulavukad and surrounding areas. The project is being planned as part of the Japan-aided drinking water project, said Hibi Eden MLA.The timely completion of the project largely depends on the support from the Kerala Water Authority. The KWA should take the initiative to avoid delays, he added. Hibi said that another major project is getting ready to modify the Goshree-Chathyath Road in the city. As an initial step, which aims at beautifying the road, agencies have been entrusted with the task of preparing the draft.Project funding will be obtained from the MLA’s Asset Creation Fund, he said. “For the initial activities and preparation of the draft an amount of `1.5 crore is expected,” he said.As part of the beautification initiative, LED lights will be installed. To make the project eco-friendly, the area would be made plastic-free. Hibi Eden said that the Tourism Department will also be associated with the project.“In a novel initiative, we will invite the public to christen the road. We will implement the new project according to international standards,” he said.In another initiative, two modern toilet units will be built by the DRDO labs for the Ernakulam KSRTC depot. Operating with the latest technology, they will be set up at a cost of `5.5 lakh. The toilet units will be completed by next month. “The two toilets should be maintained by the KSRTC. A decision to this effect was taken during a meeting of the KSRTC officials,” Hibi said.