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.