KUKL to revamp water pipeline in valley

ANKIT ADHIKARI

KATHMANDU, JUL 18

Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL), the utility responsible for distributing potable water in the Valley, has started the work of replacing the existing underground pipe network.

The Project Implemen-tation Directorate (PID) under the KUKL is handling the project supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the government.

Experts say the project will stop the leakage of 34 million litres of water per day. However, Kathmandu residents will have a long wait since the project will 15 years to complete. Planned to be commissioned in 2025, the ambitious project has been split into three phases. The first phase (2009-2013) focuses on identification of major problem areas in the valley and replacing the pipes.

“We have initiated the process in Baneshwor, Attarkhel and Kusunti,” said Suman Prashad Sharma, Project Director. “For the work in Kusunti, Lalitpur, we have invited bids by August 15.” “The second (2012-2016) and third (2016-2025) phases will be based on further identification, replacement and monitoring processes,” added Sharma.

According to PID officials, the first phase of the project is targeted at assisting the Melamchi project that is expected to be over in next four years.

“Most of the pipes are rusty as they were installed about a century ago,” said Himesh Anand Vaidya, Head of the Engineering Section, PID. “Some of these old pipes can't stand the pressure of the Melamchi water. In this regard, the new project will be significant.” The estimated total project cost is over $300 million while the first phase is underway with $34 million provided by the ADB. The government will bear 42 percent of the total cost.

The PID has formed a coordination committee led by the director. “The committee will hold talks with the Department of Roads, Nepal Telecom, Department of Archaeology and Traffic Police, among others,” said Sharma. 

“Since we need to dig roads to examine and replace the pipes, the project can't succeed without the support and coordination from these stakeholders.”


Published in The Kathmandu Post -- July 19