Mumbai is on its way to developing effective systems to manage its waste-water issues. The city has commissioned environmental infrastructure engineer R.V. Anderson Associates (RVA) and its partners to extend and upgrade Mumbai's original waste-water collection and treatment facilities through a progressive multiyear HK$7.2 billion programme. "We are developing eight waste-water treatment plants that will be some of the biggest treatment facilities in the world when completed," says RVA president Kenneth Morrison. The company is completing its first five-year phase contract with the city of Mumbai which is being extended. Having been in operation since 1948, RVA has assisted municipalities in Canada and India in developing infrastructure to solve environmental problems. Within the business lines of water, waste water, transport and urban development, the company covers planning, design, construction oversight and operations. The firm's integrated offerings enable clients to implement sustainable and long-term infrastructure solutions. "As we deliver a project and put it into operation, we also aim to achieve reduced cost and investment, increased revenues and lower risk profiles for our clients," Morrison says. This approach has won RVA numerous awards, including recognition as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies for four years in a row between 2008 and 2011. The employee-owned company twice received awards last year from the Ontario Public Works Association and one from the American Public Works Association under environment and transport categories. With partnerships as a cornerstone of the company's success, RVA welcomes local and technical collaboration with like-minded companies. For the Mumbai project, RVA has partnered with Britain-based Mott MacDonald and Indian company PHE Consultants. "As we move into new markets in Asia, we will collaborate with local partners in order to best understand our clients and how they operate," Morrison says.
