As part of its efforts to overhaul Kochi’s sewerage system, the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) has signed an agreement with the lowest bidder to construct a 27-km sewage pipeline to carry sewage from select wards of the city. The pipeline is one of three components of the project, which also includes a 5-MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and a 17-km collection network. The bidder for the STP has also been selected, and the contract will be finalised after technical issues are resolved.

“Preliminary work on the 27-km network will begin next week.

A topographical and social survey will be conducted, followed by the installation of the pipeline in August,” said a KWA source.

The total length of the sewerage network, which will cater to three divisions in the city, is 44 km. The tendering process for the remaining 17 km of the sewage network has also begun.

“The STP will be able to handle the 4.5 MLD of sewage generated in the three divisions. The sewage reaching the STP will undergo three stages of treatment, along with ultra-filtration, and the treated water will comply with the standards prescribed by the National Green Tribunal and the Pollution Control Board. There are divisions within the city corporation limits that lack proper sanitation facilities, and the project will address those requirements,” the source said.

The projects are being executed under the AMRUT 2.0 Mission, and the total cost of the three components is ₹185 crore. The 5-MLD STP, along with a co-treatment facility, will come up at Elamkulam.

“We need to wait for the monsoon to subside before starting construction work. This is a multidisciplinary activity that requires coordination among several government departments. The project also requires an extensive social survey to identify apartments and other establishments that need to be connected to the network. We are in discussions with the civic authorities,” the source said.