Photo: Collected
Chattogram Water and Sewerage Authority is grappling with a severe water theft problem, losing a staggering Tk 100 crore annually. This alarming figure is a result of water leakage, illegal connections, and inaccurate meter readings, according to officials.
In the past year, a shocking 30% of the water produced by WASA was wasted. This is a significant increase from a decade ago when the wastage rate was 15.24%, according to offcials.
Despite significant investments in infrastructure, the problem persists. Many consumers are being overcharged, while others face severe water shortages.
Experts blame a combination of factors, including aging infrastructure, theft, and inefficient management practices. Some even point fingers at corrupt WASA staff who manipulate meters to steal water.
"WASA needs to invest in modernizing its infrastructure, improve leak detection and repair, and implement stricter measures to prevent illegal connections. Improving billing accuracy and customer awareness is important," Professor Dr. Muhammad Rashidul Hasan of Department of Urban & Regional Planning at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology told The Daily Messenger.
"Until these measures are implemented, Chattogram WASA will continue to face financial losses and struggle to provide reliable water supply to its customers," Professor Rashidul Hasan said.
Officials said that Chattogram WASA supplies 45 crore litres of water daily through a 1,300-km pipeline network. However, 35-40% of Chattogram’s areas remain outside its service. Reducing system losses to the international standard of 15% could save millions of litres of water and ease the financial burden on customers.
Taslima Begum, a resident of Dewanhat area told The Daily Messenger that she only gets water once or twice a week but is billed Tk 600 monthly under the minimum billing system.
Mohammad Awal Chowdhury of Lalkhanbazar Bagghona area told The Daily Messenger that his area receives 8-10 water supplies a month, but residents are charged for 30 units, far more than they consume.
Consumer rights activist SM Nazer Hossain, vice president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), criticized Wasa's inefficiencies, which force customers to pay more.
"If system losses were reduced, WASA could generate more revenue without increasing tariffs," SM Nazer Hossain told The Daily Messenger.
Nazer also accused WASA staff of tampering with meters and demanded strict action against those involved.
"Even though Fazlullah is gone, the syndicate he formed still exists. Without strict action against water theft and better maintenance planning, Chattogram WASA will continue to lose both water and revenue," SM Nazer Hossain observed.
Chattogram WASA's revenue officer Rumon Dey could not be contacted despite several attempts over phone.
Sajjad Hossain, a revenue officer at Chattogram WASA, admitted billing inconsistencies and acknowledged the burden on consumers.
However, Sajjad Hossain suggested this correspondent to contact with the chief engineer and chief revenue officer for further details.
Messenger/Reimon/SK/EHM
