Sat Sep 20 18:37:03 UTC 2025: Here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text:

**Headline: Kochi Water Distribution Upgrade Awaits State Funding Approval**

**Kochi, September 21, 2025** – A joint project between the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) and private firm SUEZ to overhaul Kochi’s water distribution network is currently stalled, awaiting financial sanction from the State government. The ambitious project, aiming to provide a 24-hour water supply to all consumers with minimal interruption, seeks to significantly reduce non-revenue water (NRW) losses through extensive infrastructure upgrades.

The agreement with SUEZ, inked in June, follows a design-build-operate-transfer model. The initial phase involves design and surveying pipelines across nine distribution zones within Kochi. Actual construction, including laying approximately 743 km of pipeline where needed, is slated to begin in the second year, focusing on completing work in three zones at a time. The project is jointly financed by the Asian Development Bank and the State government.

The delay in releasing the advance payment is holding up the project’s commencement. Once underway, the initiative will address dilapidated and leaky pipelines, ensuring efficient water delivery and minimizing wastage. The first phase will focus on survey and design, with pipeline replacement to follow upon KWA approval. The final three years of the ten-year contract will center on operation and maintenance, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the upgraded water network. The project also includes refurbishment of pump houses. This upgrade promises to bring a reliable, round-the-clock water supply to Kochi residents.

**Keywords:** Kochi, Kerala Water Authority, SUEZ, water distribution, infrastructure, NRW, Asian Development Bank.

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