ADB's $170 Million Boost Transforms Kochi's Water Landscape
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.
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.
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.
Infrastructure Upgrade:
Distribution System Enhancement:
Metering System Improvement:
Preventive Maintenance and Asset Management:
The project aims to enhance the capacity of the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) through:
Female Employment Focus:
Community Engagement:
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.
A: The primary objective is to transform Kochi’s water landscape by elevating urban living standards, ensuring clean water access, and bolstering climate resilience through comprehensive infrastructure upgrades and institutional strengthening.
A: The project addresses challenges such as intermittent water supply by rehabilitating existing water treatment plants, constructing new ones, enhancing distribution systems, and implementing preventive maintenance practices. These measures aim to minimize water loss and improve overall water availability.
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