| Project Detail |
The proposed project will support inclusive access to safe, reliable, efficient, climate-resilient, and sustainable water supply in Kochi, the commercial capital of the state of Kerala. The project will bring transformational change in the water supply services in Kochi by introducing sound operation and preventive maintenance practices and nurturing a culture of asset management in Kerala Water Authority (KWA). An innovative performance-based contract will be introduced to improve the capacity and governance of KWA through better customer orientation, operational efficiencies, and management of the water distribution assets. The improved operational management and reduced water losses expected to be achieved by the project will contribute to building the climate resilience of the water supply services in Kochi. Project Name Kerala Urban Water Services Improvement Project Project Number 49106-006 Country / Economy India Project Status Approved Project Type / Modality of Assistance Loan The proposed project will support inclusive access to safe, reliable, efficient, climate-resilient, and sustainable water supply in Kochi, the commercial capital of the state of Kerala. The project will bring transformational change in the water supply services in Kochi by introducing sound operation and preventive maintenance practices and nurturing a culture of asset management in Kerala Water Authority (KWA). An innovative performance-based contract will be introduced to improve the capacity and governance of KWA through better customer orientation, operational efficiencies, and management of the water distribution assets. The improved operational management and reduced water losses expected to be achieved by the project will contribute to building the climate resilience of the water supply services in Kochi. The project will generate knowledge solutions and provide learning opportunities for the water utilities in India and other member countries to replicate good practices, including the innovative performance-based contract. Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy Kerala, with an estimated population of 35 million, is Indias second-most urbanized state. The urban population, which stood at about 15.9 million in 2011, is expected to increase to 35.6 million by 2036. While cities are economic powerhouses and innovation hubs that improve livelihoods and trigger prosperity, rapid urbanization adds a burden to already overstretched urban infrastructure and services. The urban challenge in Kerala is further compounded by the unique settlement pattern of a ruralurban continuum necessitating the distribution of scarce resources across larger areas. As Kerala becomes increasingly urban, it needs to improve access, efficiency, and sustainability of urban services along with resilient spatial planning, infrastructure development, and institutional capacity. Kochi, the project city, is one of the fastest-growing urban areas in India. As a result of suboptimal urban services, the ranking of Kochi in the Government of Indias Ease of Living Index 2020 remained low at 75th out of 111 Indian cities, down from 45th in 2018. Unreliable and intermittent water supply services and inadequate infrastructure constrain economic development, reduce the living standard of the people, increase the risk of waterborne disease, and negatively affect the financial and environmental sustainability of the services Impact Living standards and well-being of citizens in Kerala improved (Rebuild Kerala Development Programme) Water use efficiency improved for water resource sustainability (Perspective Plan 2030 Kerala) |
