JBIC water scheme to be completed by Aug 2008: Premachandran

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 19: The much-delayed Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)-aided Rs 1,800-crore drinking water project for five districts in Kerala will be completed by August 2008, the state Assembly was informed today.

In reply to questions, Water Resources Minister N K Premachandran said the work on the project, which would benefit 4.5 million people, was progressing and it was expected to be completed as per the revised schedule.

According to sources, the memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the project was signed in February 1999 between the Central Government and the Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund(now JBIC). As per the MoU, the project has to be completed before June 2006.

However, the project could not be taken up on time in view of the controversies over the selection of consultants for the project.

As per the provisions, the consultant fee was ten per cent of the estimated cost of the project.

The project seeks to augment water supply in Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Cherthala, Pattuvam, Meenad and their adjoining areas.

UNI