As per a meeting of Chennai’s civic agencies with a team of officials from the World Bank, held on March 5, the World Bank is likely to fund Rs 5,000 crore for projects to improve water supply and promote disaster resilience in Chennai. The meeting will continue for a few more days.
The civic authority is likely to receive funding for eco-restoration of 25 water bodies in various parts of the city. The project is expected to improve groundwater level and promote resilience. Also, the project will help in improving many areas affected by the floods in 2015.
The World Bank is focusing on projects to improve water supply system involving installation of a proper piped water network across the city to every household. According to sources, the World Bank is likely to increase the funding to Rs 10,000 crore for improving the city’s water supply once the civic agencies submit proposals with better coordination.
The civic agencies are yet to coordinate in a properly to prepare proposals that will resolve the problems faced by citizens at the time of water shortage.
One of the most challenging jobs will be to give a structural makeover to the slum areas so as to provide them with piped water. Moreover, the World Bank can also to fund projects of TNSCB to build alternative residential properties for the slum dwellers and also provide them funding assistance for Metro water proposal to give 24X7 water supply to all houses.
The Public Works Department (PWD) is expected to use World Bank funds to build major drains and canals to promote resilience during floods and also many underground drains to reduce inundation.
