Civic body to move court against KWA

Thiruvananthapuram: The City Corporation has decided to move court against Kerala Water Authority for non-completion of water supply improvement project under JnNURM (Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission).

As many as two lakh population in the state capital are being denied 24*7 water supply as JnNURM water supply project hit a roadblock. Around four works under the JnNURM drinking water supply scheme has been stalled owing to a legal hurdle.

Modern Construction, a Gujarat based company, who has taken up the work has gained a stay order from Gujarat HC preventing the Kerala Water Authority from re-tendering the work. An irked civic body has decided to file a counter petition at Gujarat HC seeking intervention to ensure the completion of the project.

 The company has stay order against re-tendering of four works at places including Thirumala – Thrikannapuram, Ulloor - Prasanth Nagar and Shangumugham – Wireless link.

Mayor V K Prasanth said that the civic body has no option but to file a petition against KWA.

 “Its necessary that we file a counter petition to ensure the timely completion of these works. Once this works are completed the KWA will be able to charge the water supply in 300 km stretch in the city limits which will benefit thousands of residents,” said Mr Prasanth.

According to officials, the Gujarat based company moved Court due to the losses they suffered owing to inordinate delays caused by KWA in facilitating the work.

 “The company had sought compensation for the financial losses they suffered and the Gujarat Arbitrary Court has ruled in their favour and has asked KWA to pay the company '200 Crores  as compensation,” said Mr Prasanth.

However, KWA authorities said that delay in getting permission from road cutting and acquisition of the land for the purpose caused the delay.

 “We will also filing a counter petition at the Gujarat Court. We will be able to finish the project without any further delays,” said an official with the water authority.