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| Also see : Rainwater Harvesting, Water |
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Water supply privatisation opposed A NEW ZEALAND-BASED company, Castalia Limited, is eight weeks into conducting a study on the improvement of water distribution system in Andheri (E). The company held a stakeholders meeting on Monday to know the needs of people in the area, which had representatives from the BMC, corporators, activists and NGOs in attendance. The pilot project involves engaging a private party in the study of the distribution and maintenance of the water supply chain. According to civic author ities, the BMC's performance with regard to water distribution can be improved significantly. Achieving that would require a much better operation of the water distribution network including systematic leak identification and repairs, pressure management and demand management through metering, billing and collection. In 62 weeks time, Castalia will identify ways to go about this. At the end of the pilot as per the terms of reference a private consultant will be an appointed to manage the water. However, activists and citizens were opposed to the water supply being handed over to any private body. "We will not tolerate privatisation of water supply in our ward and will oppose it," said James John from AGNI. Assuring that this will not be done, Manu Kumar Srivastava, additional municipal commissioner, BMC, said, "We will not be selling any assets; we will be incorporating the findings of the study to better the distribution system and ensure 24/7 wa ter supply." Outlining the objectives of this 'test' project, David Ehrhardt, chief executive, Castalia Limited, said, "We will be installing meters at the main pipeline to record the accurate quantity of water supplied to the ward. Later, we will check the distribution pipes and connections for leaks and their repair, test all meters, establish commercial management responsive to customers, check pressure and achieve a 24/7 water supply with the current per capita allocation." This pilot study is being funded by PPAIF (Public Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility), which will provide about Rs 2.5 crore to the firm conducting the study. The World Bank will provide financial and technical assistance while Castalia Ltd will conduct the study. Activists Shailesh Gandhi pointed out, "There are six partners in this project and one can clearly see that they are all likely to be looking at this as an investment for the future. Water privatisation or maintenance and distribution of water should not be handed over to a private body as examples over the world have proved that they are not successful and lead to a tariff increase and water riots." Details of pilot project by NZ firm - The project involves engaging a private party to study the distribution and maintenance of the water supply chain - Aims at improving the water distribution network including systematic leak identification and repairs - At the end of the study as per the terms of reference, there will be appointment of a private consultant to manage the water - - However, activists and citizens are opposed to the water supply being handed over to any private body http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/artMailDisp.aspx?article=17_05_2006_006_004 &typ=0&pub=264 |
| Also see : Rainwater Harvesting, Water |
