T’puram: A Rs 10-crore drinking water project at Kodikkunnu, launched six years ago to address water shortage in parts of Kazhakkoottam and Nedumangad constituencies, remains non-operational, with Kerala Water Authority (KWA) saying pipeline connection works and other related works are yet to be completed.The project envisaged supplying water to households within a 10km radius of the proposed tank. It is expected to benefit Njandoorkonam ward in Kazhakkoottam constituency and areas along the borders of Pothencode, Vembayam and Karakulam panchayats in Nedumangad constituency.The project included construction of a 3.40-lakh-litre capacity water tank at Kodikkunnu. Water was to be brought from the Njandoorkonam Puthukunnu water tank to the Kodikkunnu tank before being distributed to nearby households.Though the tank construction and pipe-laying works have been completed, water has not reached the Kodikkunnu tank. KWA said the works related to connecting the pipelines are yet to be completed.A KWA official said the contractor had abandoned the project midway in 2020, while the supply of pipes was affected during the Covid-19 lockdown period. The delay in executing the project was attributed to these issues.“The work is progressing on a full scale. The compound wall and pumps need to be installed. The remaining works are being taken forward, and the project will be commissioned after completing the pending works,” a senior official said.The delay has left residents of the elevated areas facing water shortage, particularly during summer when wells run dry. Many households are forced to purchase water to meet their daily requirements.
