Kochi, Tuesday 13 January 2009: Water Resources Minister N K Premachandran today said drinking water projects worth Rupees 693.16 crore under the Special Package Assisted by NABARD (SPAN) would be completed by December 2010.

Speaking to reporters here, he said more than two million people would benefit from the 36 drinking projects for which work would start on January 19.

Detailing the project, Premachandran said out of the estimated outlay of Rs 693.16 crore, NABARD would be providing Rs 449.89 crore. It had approved 34 of the 36 projects and they would be commissioned in 24 months.

The minister said, SPAN was formed following repeated talks by Water Resources and Finance Ministries with NABARD to undertake drinking water projects for the benefit of the people.

On the Japan-aided drinking water project in the state, Premachandran said the projects were plagued by land acquisition problem and price escalation but they would be commissioned this year.