JICA project to take off next month

The much-delayed Odisha Integrated Sanitation Improvement Project  (OISIP) for developing a modern and effective drainage and sewerage system for the Millennium City is finally set to go on rails next month.

 The foundation for the Rs 757.44-crore Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) assisted project was laid by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here on Monday.

 Targeted to be completed within 2015, the project envisages creation of a  comprehensive sewerage network through around 255 km underground gravity sewers. The sewers would be equipped with 14 pumping stations and two sewage treatment plants at Bidanasi and Matgajpur. The plants would facilitate treatment of an additional 52 million litres of waste water a day over the present 33 million litres.

 The existing drains and channels would be completely overhauled and revamped. The 23- km-long two main storm water channels along with the drains connecting them would be reconstructed scientifically so as to ensure maximum efficiency in carrying and discharging water from the city.

 The two main drains would be covered at suitable locations with the stretch of the MSW from Samaj office to Matrubhawan earmarked for use as a road to ease traffic congestion in those parts. The two sides of MSW-I and MSW-II would be covered by steel wire nets to prevent dumping of garbage, thus enabling maximum workability of water flow. The drain stretches would also be beautified through landscaping.

 Five pumping stations at Police Colony, Khan Nagar, Matgajpur, Bidyadharpur and Gulguli along with the sluice gates at Khan Nagar, Matrubhawan,  Matgajpur, Bidyadharpur and Gulguli would be modernised for quick release of water from the city during rains. The project also entails to facilitate sanitation through public toilets in the city. It would be complemented by  slum sanitation improvement programmes in 10 identified slums with Rs 20 lakh  grant per slum.

 Of the total cost of Rs 757.44 crore, the Japan Government would fund Rs 624.65 crore and the balance will be borne by the State Government. The loan would be repaid by the State in 40 years with a 10-year moratorium. It is to be implemented by the Odisha Water Supply and Sewerage Board (OWSS) with technical assistance of the Consortium of Tokyo Engineering Consultants, Tetra Tech Inc. of the USA and Egis BCEOM International of France.

 “Detailed planning, survey and engineering groundwork have been completed  and tendering process is in the final stages. Construction would start from November and completed by 2015,” Chief Engineer of OWSS and head of JICA project AN Mohanty said.

 Among others, Housing and Urban Development Minister Raghunath Mohanty, Agriculture Minister Debi Prasad Mishra, Government Chief Whip Pravat Tripathy, Parliamentarians Bhartruhari Mahtab and Sashibhusan Behera and legislator Debasish Samantray and Cuttack Mayor Soumendra Ghosh were present.

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