The city will soon get its largest facility for treating sewage generated in areas newly merged with the Chennai Corporation. Hundreds are involved in the construction of the plant, which will have the capacity to treat 120 million litres of sewage a day (mld), at Koyambedu. This will be the 13th facility of Chennai Metrowater and is expected to enhance the sewage treatment capacity from the existing 612 mld to 732 mld. Nearly 80 per cent of the work to construct the plant’s 39 units has been completed at the site. Huge well-like structures are being built to separate sludge from water, which will then be sent through units for treatment. The same premises already house two plants with a total capacity of 94 mld. Residents of Virugambakkam said one more plant would help ease the burden on the plants functioning in Koyambedu. They also want the sewer lines to be improved to prevent recurrent overflow of sewage. Sources in Chennai Metrowater said the new plant, sanctioned under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, would also cater to added areas such as Nerkundram, Ambattur, Maduravoyal and Nolambur. “Initially, the plant will take on a load of 30 mld and the volume will be stepped up as more added areas get a drainage network this year,” an official said. The Rs. 77-crore project, executed by Pune-based Gharpure Engineering and Construction Limited, is set to be commissioned next month.