Official apathy delays ambitious 'Kundamestri' project

The work on ambitious drinking water project— ‘Kundamestri’ which aimed at supplying water to Madikeri town is being delayed.

The project was started off at an estimated cost of Rs 7 crore. Now the estimated cost of the project has been increased to Rs 35 crore. Inspite of increase in the estimated cost, the project has not been completed.

Karnataka Urban Water Supply Board (KUWSB) officials have said that there was shortage of funds for the constructing a barrage. The project cost should be increased to Rs 48 crore.

CMC President H M Nandakumar who is opposing the proposal to hike the estimated cost of the project said that the project cost will not be hiked at any cost. The officials should complete the work within a framework.

Nandakumar said “if the work is delayed, then we will incur loss. We had a laid down a condition, to complete the work within 18 months. The ground-breaking ceremony was held on January 10, 2009. However, 48 months have passed. The work is being delayed following the negligence of the KUWSB officials.”

Following the incomplete work, the CMC has to depend on tankers to supply water to the city. The CMC is planning to issue notices to the KUWSB to bear the expenses incurred by the CMC in supplying water through tankers. We will take a legal opinion on the issue.”

Speaking to Deccan Herald, CMC President said that if the officials cooperate, then water can be supplied to the town from the Kundamestri project in the month of April.

“About 90 per cent of the work on laying pipelines have been completed. It will take time to construct a barrage. Instead of a barrage, if the officials construct a temporary dam using sand, water can be stored and supplied to the city from April.”