Residents apprehensive despite KWA’s assurance of restored water supply in Kochi

Despite the Kerala Water Authority’s (KWA) assurance that water supply is being restored and pumping has resumed, residents remain apprehensive about the reliability of drinking water supply.

The concern is shared by consumers living at the tail end of the water distribution network, who often face disruptions whenever pipe bursts occur, a resident alleged.

Shaji P.T., a resident of Ponnurunni–Kachappilly Road in Vyttila, said that several families in the area were struggling with water shortage. “There has been no water for two days since pumping stopped. We are managing with the water stored in our tanks, and once that runs out, we will face a severe water crisis. There has been no action from the councillor’s side to address the issue,” said Mr. Shaji, who lives in a rented house. “We will have to buy water if this continues,” he added.

While the KWA said that pumping had resumed and water supply is being restored, it admitted that consumers at the tail end might face issues.

“I have been receiving several calls from the Kachappilly region in Vyttila about water shortage. I believe the situation will become even more difficult to manage soon. The worst-affected areas will be those at the tail end. Although the pumping has resumed, it will take a few more days for water to reach consumers at the tail end of the network,” said Sakeer Thamanam, councillor of the Thammanam division.

Meanwhile, residents living near the Thammanam area, where the water storage tank is located, have not faced any disruption in water supply. Judith George, 63, a resident of Thammanam whose house and belongings were damaged following the collapse of the tank, said that their water supply remained unaffected. “Our houses are not supplied from the Thammanam tank. But we have suffered extensive damage after water entered our homes. Cleaning was carried out yesterday, but we need to do another round,” added Ms. George.