ARCHIVED MEDIA RELEASE
PA/12/2002 8 August 2002
High Commissioner presents Australian-funded water and sanitation plan
The Australian High Commissioner to India, Ms Penny Wensley AO, today presented to the Karnataka Chief Secretary, Dr A Ravindra, a master plan for upgrading Bangalore's water supply and sanitation services.
Ms Wensley also inaugurated an Australian-assisted slum improvement project in the suburb of Chandranagar.
The master plan was produced under the Australian funded Bangalore Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation Master Plan Project, with the cooperation of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and other city agencies. The master plan will assist BWSSB to plan and enhance water and sanitation services to India's fifth largest city. The Rs 23 crore project involved two years of intensive work by a team of dedicated Australian and Indian specialists.
Speaking after unveiling a plaque to inaugurate the Chandranagar project, the High Commissioner commended the excellent work undertaken by the slum community to improve their neighbourhood with Australian help provided under the Master Plan project.
"The pilot project shows what progress can be achieved through partnership between government, NGOs, the private sector and the community," Ms Wensley said.
The project provides household water connections to 800 low-income families in Chandranagar. In addition, a sewerage network has been installed for houses in the settlement, drains and roads have been repaired or constructed, and a solid waste collection system initiated. Chandranagar's community, mobilised through its water and sanitation Committee and supported by local NGO Suraksha, will operate and maintain these services on a cost recovery basis. The Chandranagar activity is one of three pilot activities undertaken in Bangalore's slum settlements as part of the Master Plan project.
During meetings with the Chief Secretary and other State Government officials, the High Commissioner also explored opportunities for expanding Australia's business and investment presence in Karnataka.
She conveyed the interest of Australia's business community in contributing to the State's advancement in the areas of information technology, biotechnology and the services sector, particularly tourism, financial services and health-care.
For further information, please contact Mr Kerry Groves, First Secretary, Development Cooperation, on telephone 688 8223, ext. 561