DHAKA: Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) is facing limitations and challenges in spite of its efforts in bringing vibrancy in services, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) said in a recent report.

TIB conducted a poll where as many as 37.5 percent users expressed dissatisfaction over Wasa’s water supply and sewerage treatment services.

TIB revealed a research report titled “Dhaka Wasa: Challenges for Good Governance and Way Forward” at a press briefing held at its Dhanmondi office Wednesday (April 17).    

The program was attended by TIB Trustee Board Chairperson Advocate Sultana Kamal, Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Advisor and Executive Management Director Prof Dr Sumaiya Khair and its Research and Policy department Director Mohamamd Rafiqul Hasan.

TIB Research and Policy department Program Manager Md Shahnur Rahman and Deputy Program Manager Md Shahidul Islam presented the findings.

TIB found lacks in Wasa’s efficiency to meet the growing demand of water, lift water in sustainable and eco-friendly ways and ensure sewerage treatment.   

Of the users, 44.8% don’t get water as per demand, said the research.

Of the users, who participated in the polls, 20.6% said they face water shortage throughout the year while 94% said they suffer the same in summer.

51.5% said they are supplied unclean water while 41.4% said they get malodorous water.

The number of Wasa pumps for lifting underground water rose to 900 from 482, in last 10 years, said the research.

The research also found massive irregularities and corruption in Wasa’s operation and customer services. 

TIB, however, made a set of 12-point recommendations to resolve the existing inefficiencies and anomalies in Wasa.

BDST: 2022 HRS, APR 17, 2019
SI/SMS