After years of delays and mounting public frustration, the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) is racing to complete the long-pending 24x7 drinking water supply project by August 2. The Rs 6.47 billion initiative, launched in 2018 in partnership with Suez India Projects Pvt. Ltd., spans 60 wards and has faced repeated setbacks due to COVID-19, labour shortages, and coordination issues.

Originally set for completion in August 2023, the deadline was pushed to 2025. However, with assembly elections on the horizon, CCMC is under pressure to fast-track the work within the next three months. So far, around 82 per cent of the project has been completed, but progress remains uneven. Councillors have flagged poor quality, lack of supervision, and incomplete house service connections (HSCs) that are delaying roadwork.

In response, CCMC has taken over pipeline work in some areas, deducted costs from Suez’s bill, and imposed penalties. These measures have spurred quicker execution in recent weeks.

Currently, 24x7 water supply is available in 37 District Metered Areas (DMAs), serving nearly 59,000 connections. Another 29,000 connections in 18 DMAs receive intermittent supply. Of the 54 km pipeline planned along a national highway stretch, only 15 km has been completed. Work on six of seven railway crossings is done.

Despite this, financial delays continue to hinder progress. CCMC owes significant dues to Suez and is awaiting approval from the Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Development Board to release operation and maintenance funds. “We’re waiting for green signal to release payments. Meanwhile, work is progressing,” said Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran.

With roads still dug up and public patience running thin, the next few weeks will be critical. Officials hope to finish the project on time and restore trust among Coimbatore’s residents.