‘Dhaka facing water crisis due to load-shedding’

Staff Reporter :
Various areas in the capital Dhaka have been experiencing a severe water shortageamid unbearable heatwave and rampant loadshedding as Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) could not supply water as per demand.

The WASA on Thursday said the organisation is not at fault as Dhaka is grappling with a water crisis primarily caused by frequent power outages.
The water shortage in the capital city is not due to any shortcomings on the part of Dhaka WASA, Managing Director of Dhaka WASA Taqsem A Khan, said this during a press conference held at Karwan Bazar WASA Bhaban on Thursday.

He explained that the disruption in water supply of WASA is a result of the frequent power cuts, which hamper the production of 40 to 50 crore litres of water per day.
There is no problem with our production equipment or machinery and no problem from our side. The main obstacle is due to load-shedding, preventing the availability of water in various areas of the city.
Producing water in the country is not a major challenge, the WASA MD said adding that electricity is required to facilitate its distribution.
According to WASA MD, the lack of pressure in the generators hinders their ability to compensate for the electricity shortage effectively.
He further noted that four out of 10 zones in the city are experiencing severe problems.

Despite these challenges, Dhaka WASA is making efforts to supply water by utilising 48 vehicles for disadvantaged areas as well as supporting the pumps with generators, the MD said.
The water crisis situation would improve if load-shedding is reduced, he said adding that Dhaka WASA operates five water treatment plants, but it receives water from only four refineries.
He, however, said that WASA’s aims to increase the production of surface water to 70% this year has not yet achieved.
Currently, only 35% of the water supply comes from surface water sources, with the remaining 65% being extracted from underground.
According to Dhaka WASA sources, Dhaka WASA has the capacity to produce more water than the demand in the city.