Water leakage problem decreasing in Kathmandu Valley

Published On: April 13, 2023 11:35 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, April 13: The water leakage problem which was prevailing until a few months ago has come down significantly in Kathmandu Valley recently.

When the new pipe laid for the Melamchi water supply project was being tested, there were a lot of leakage problems when water was distributed from the old pipe.

It can be seen that such problems are decreasing as Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) is repairing most of the leaking places. Milan Kumar Shakya, the chief executive officer of KUKL, said that the places where there was leakage are being repaired as it is seen as the first priority.

He said, “As soon as the information comes that there has been a leak somewhere, repairs works are immediately carried out with the approval of the Department of Road.”

KUKL said that the number of leakage cases has come down significantly because the repair works are done quickly and efficiently. He said that the new pipe is being tested and the directorate is working to complete it by the end of June.

After the test is completed, the distribution of water will be started through the new pipeline. Shakya said, “It is expected that the amount of leakage will be reduced. We will soon be able to provide more water to the public.”

Shakya said that water is being distributed to consumers' houses every two days at present. As the KUKL is using 50 million liters of water for testing purposes, consumers have got less water. He said that 170 million liters of water can be supplied to the new system after the test is completed.

The KUKL had constructed tanks in 10 places while laying new pipes for water distribution in the valley. So far, water is being distributed from the old water reservoir. He said that the new tank is currently undergoing a test.

During the distribution of water in Melamchi, many roads in the Kathmandu Valley were damaged due to a leakage in the pipe. In the main urban area where water is being distributed in the valley, there was more damage to roads due to leakage.

Potholes were seen in various sections of Lainchaur-Maharajganj, Maharajganj-Balaju, Tripureshwor-Kalanki, Tahachal-Chauni, New Road, Kalimati-Kalanki road, Lagankhel, Kupondole, Kumaripati, Balkhu and Kalimati areas.