Suez 24/7 water supply project faces setbacks in Coimbatore, residents demand swift action

Residents concerned over delays in 24/7 water supply project, facing road issues and water leakages, unlikely to meet 2025 deadline.

The delay in implementing the 24/7 drinking water supply project in the city has raised concerns among residents, who are grappling with slow progress, unrepaired roads, and water leakage issues. Originally slated for completion by 2025, the project now appears unlikely to meet its deadline.

Executed by Suez India for the city’s 60 older wards, the project has faced criticism for poor planning. Roads dug up for laying pipes remain unrepaired for months, compounding residents’ difficulties.

“The work began in June, and pipes were laid, but the roads were left unpatched. In some areas, leaking water has made roads inaccessible. For six months, walking has been impossible due to uneven surfaces,” said Nitu Parashak, a resident of Bharathi Park in Saibaba Colony.

In Ward 97’s Srinivasa Nagar, residents reported water leakage in Suez pipelines. N. Shankar of Ganapathy highlighted the absence of consistent water supply and lack of clear schedules.

Councillors echoed these concerns, stating they were left uninformed about the project timelines and progress. “Most councillors don’t know when the work will start or finish. No basic project details are shared, and roads remain unrepaired after the work,” said Vidhya R., councillor of Ward 67.

A Corporation engineering official said that patchworks were under way in some areas and would be expedited once the pipe-laying was complete.

An official from Suez India noted that 25% of the pipe-laying work remained and said complaints about leakages and irregular water supply would be resolved soon, with road repairs being managed by the Corporation. The project is now expected to be completed by July 2025. However, there has been a blame game between the Corporation and Suez India over the delay and incomplete work.