French firm offers loan to strengthen sewerage

Sandeep Rana
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, December 3

After agreeing to fund the 24X7 water supply project, French Development Agency today offered to fund the Municipal Corporation (MC) project of strengthening storm water, sewage and tertiary water system.

As per a rough estimate of an MC officer, the strengthening of sewerage could cost about Rs 1,000 crore and tertiary water work about Rs 550 crore. However, the MC officials will hold a meeting in this regard to find out how much fund was actually required.

“The agency has made the offer. We are analysing the proposal. We will find out how many pipelines are damaged and how much work is required. Following this, we will be able to know how much fund is required. The MC will also need to take permission from the UT Administration. But, the question is who will pay the loan,” said a senior official of the MC.

The MC House had last month approved to increase water tariff rates after six years to pay back loan to the agency for the 24X7 water supply project. Chandigarh Smart City Limited is taking a whopping Rs 440-crore loan for the project. It will pay Rs 60 crore available with it while the remaining Rs 380 crore will burn a hole in the residents’ pocket in the form of increased water tariff.

This move was criticised by the residents and various RWAs. Residents said the project would entail wastage of water as well as money besides putting an additional burden on them.