The authorities have realised that the frequent pipe-bursts are owing to the laying of inferior quality pipes at many places. The latest pipe-burst that occurred in Vazhayila has pointed to the fact that the ten-year-old pipe laid here was unable to meet the pressure of water and also to carry the load. The same quality pipes have been laid along the city, which is causing a severe concern to the authorities.

These pipes have been found to be unable to handle any impact, not even a minor pressure. Hence, it has been decided that at least in the most vulnerable points, where pipe-bursts have become a common phenomenon, the poor quality pipes should be removed.

In the main pipeline which connects Aruvikkara with the Observatory Hill pumping station, a 15-km stretch concrete pipe has become the most controversial. Frequent pipe-bursts are being reported along this pipeline, which was laid in 1998. The pipe in this stretch is now in the most vulnerable condition. If, earlier, it was 1,200-mm pipes which were laid here, the size was later reduced to 1,000 mm and now only 900-mm pipes are used here. As a result, these poor quality pipes are unable to bear the increased pressure of water.

PUMPING RESTORED

Meanwhile, the KWA has restored the pumping, which was stopped following the pipe-burst at Vazhayila. The rectification work was completed and the pumping restored at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. The distribution of water began in the evening and it is expected to become normal by Friday. All the elevated areas like PTP Nagar are likely to get water at least by Friday morning.