People complaining about contamination of drinking water in some
parts of city can heave a sigh of relief as Chennai Metro Water is on
the verge of completing the first phase of relaying 20 km of pipeline.

A
Metro Water spokesman said that 19 km of pipeline has been completed to
ensure quality drinking water in people living in Triplicane, Anna
Nagar and North Chennai areas of Tondiarpet, Perambur and Kolathur.

The
Rs 9.45 crore scheme was started after Chennai Metro Water identified
specific pockets where contamination occurs due to aged and corroded
pipes. He said the second phase of work on replacement of choked water
main lines will be taken up after identifying pockets based on the
complaints.

Meanwhile, the replacement of old sewer main lines for
a total of 117km under Chennai Mega City Development Mission 2011-12
has been taken up and laying of new pipeline for a length of 100km have
been completed at a cost of Rs 52 crore.

The Metro Water said
under that the Chennai Mega City Development Mission, the agency has
purchased 55 desilting machines for Rs 3 crore, 39 jet-rodding machines
for Rs 14.02 crore and 13 jetting-cum-suction machines for Rs 4.96
crore.