More water vending machines to be set up by GCC- 20 litres of water per day
Posted on: 13/Nov/2020 11:04:20 AM
In Chennai, there would be public water vending machines at various places as GCC has got plans to install them. It is now said that the forthcoming scorching summer might be the reason behind GCC’s plan. These water ATMs would dispense potable RO or UV purified water to those from low income group settlements.
In Chennai, currently there are around 50 water ATMS or Amma Kudineer available for the public belonging to various parts of the Chennai city. Recently, GCC caught the attention of many when it called for tenders to install 11 such water ATMs in the Kodambakkam zone.
The water vending machines would be operated on the Corporation Colony Road in Kodambakkam, Kamaraj Salai, Bakthavachalam Street, Bangaru Naidu Second Street, Thillaiyadi Valliammai Street, Rani Anna Nagar, junction of 60feet road and Anna Main Road, Muthurangan Road, NG Colony Main Road, 24th Street and 10th Avenue in Ashok Nagar.
An amount of Rs 70 lakhs has been spent by GCC in installing the water vending machines in these above said areas. For a time period of 2 years, the contractor must ensure their operation and maintenance. It was later pointed out by a senior official that water vending machines were mainly for the people who do not have access to potable drinking water. Truth is that for the poorer sections this could be expensive.
For getting 20littres of water per day, people living in localities that do not have access to potable drinking water could swipe their smart cards at ATMs. Information is these water vending machines themselves could treat 200l of water every hour.
People belonging to the housing board colonies and in the slum settlements could be benefited hugely by these water ATMs. It is very important that the officials maintain these ATM’s properly. This has been highlighted by Vanessa Peter, Information and Resource Centre for Deprived Urban Communities.
