The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a substantial loan of $170 million to promote the modernization of water supply services in Kochi, a rapidly growing city in the south Indian state of Kerala.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$170 million loan aimed at modernizing water supply services in Kochi, a busy city in the South Indian state of Kerala. The project involves rehabilitation and upgrading of five existing water treatment plants with a cumulative production capacity of 325 million liters per day (MLD). Besides, a new plant of 190 MLD capacity will be built. Nearly 700 kilometers of pipes will be replaced, with a real-time monitoring system also introduced to reduce loss of treated water during distribution. Additionally, approximately 146,000 water meters will be upgraded to high quality and reliable meters. To promote female employment in construction, operation and maintenance of water supply systems, the project specifically focuses on training initiatives. Additionally, community awareness programs will be conducted to improve knowledge on household supply, water audit, water quality and sanitation with active participation of women (50 percent).