Kochi: The city corporation has utilized only about 1% of the total allocated funds for solid waste management over the past two and a half years. Authorities have just seven months to use the full amount, or it will lapse by December this year.
Fund Allocation and Utilization
Kochi corporation received Rs 70 crore under the Kerala Solid Waste Management Project (KSWMP) from the state government in 2023. The project aims to transform urban sanitation by strengthening institutional and service delivery systems for solid waste management. However, the corporation has managed to use only Rs 1 crore so far.
Now, corporation authorities are rushing to design projects that can be implemented using KSWMP funds by December 2026. Mayor V K Minimol stated, "The deadline for utilizing funds under the project is December 2026. We are preparing projects to maximize fund utilization. Despite much effort, we could design projects for only Rs 30 crore. Chances are high for the remaining funds to lapse."
Planned Projects and Challenges
The mayor outlined plans to procure compactor trucks for waste transport and improve the city's resource recovery facilities (RRFs). Mini-trucks will also be procured to shift waste from primary collection points. However, she noted limitations: "Though there are suggestions to procure more refuse compactor trucks, we can't. If we procure more trucks, we will have to mobilize funds for their maintenance, which would become a huge liability."
KSWMP is funded by the World Bank, with set norms for designing projects. Former mayor M Anil Kumar revealed that the previous council had planned various waste management projects but they did not take off. "We submitted proposals for constructing two RRFs and three-wheelers for collecting waste from primary collection centers. We also sought funding for the Brahmapuram master plan from KSWMP. But the proposals weren't approved, so we couldn't utilize the funds."
Financial Troubles and Infrastructure Needs
The corporation owes contractors around Rs 60 crore. It also needs Rs 58 crore over the next five years to maintain machines procured for canal and drainage cleaning. The corporation is planning to approach the state government for funds to implement infrastructure projects, including the Thammanam-Pullepady road widening.
M G Aristotle, councillor and finance standing committee member, said, "The Smart City project by the Union government was helpful in implementing various infrastructure projects and their upkeep. But the Smart City project has ended. Now, we have to mobilize funds for the maintenance of various machines procured by Cochin Smart Mission Ltd, the special purpose vehicle for Smart City, to desilt city canals and drains. Now a new government has assumed office. We will approach the state government to explore possibilities of including more projects under KSWMP."
The corporation's own fund for 2024-25 is Rs 258 crore, and the plan fund allocated to Kochi corporation during 2025-26 is Rs 98.58 crore.
