State needs substantial investments for rapid urbanization.

Design-build-operate contracts including 10-years operation and maintenance will be used to implement an Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded water project in Madhya Pradesh.

The project, with US$275 million ADB loan, will develop sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient water supply in 64 small and medium-sized towns, and integrated storm water and sewerage infrastructure in two heritage towns of Khajuraho and Rajnagar.

“A key element of the project is the use of design-build-operate contracts including 10-years operation and maintenance to ensure better sustainability of the water service operation and financial viability,” said L. B. Sondjaja, Deputy Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission, who signed the loan with the Indian government on 19 June 2017.

“ADB’s continued support to the State’s urban development, through this project, will improve further the quality, coverage, efficiency, and sustainability of urban service delivery, stabilize and deepen institutional capacity, and improve long term water service management,” assured Sondjaja.

“Madhya Pradesh needs substantial investments to keep pace with rapid urbanization. Availability of continuous piped water supply is vital for improving the urban infrastructure, and it will facilitate improved access to safe drinking water for residents in the project area”, said Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Multilateral Institutions, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, who signed on behalf of the Government.

Along with ADB’s loan, the State Government of Madhya Pradesh will provide counterpart support of US$124 million.

The project will run for almost five years with an expected completion date of June 2022. fii-news.com