Dhaka WASA ready for uninterrupted supply in Ramadan

The Dhaka WASA has completed its preparation to ensure uninterrupted water supply and maintain normal water supply for the consumer of the capital during the holy month of Ramadan, said the utility chief Taqsem A Khan.

The WASA managing director made the comment while exchanging views with journalists on the water supply system of Dhaka during Ramadan at his office on Saturday.

He said all the water treatment plants and water pumps managed by the agency will remain operative round the clock during Ramadan. And in case of a power outage, the pumps will run using backup and mobile generators, he said.

Dhaka WASA has 380 fixed generators and 18 portable generators to keep the power supply uninterrupted.

The agency will install plastic tank trolleys at different places in all its zones including Gulistan, Farmgate, Mohakhali, Gabtoli, Jatrabari, Kamalapur and Sayedabad as part of a special arrangement in Ramadan. It has also kept 48 water-carrying vehicles and 17 tractors ready to supply water for emergency needs.

Replying to a question, Taqsem said during winter water demand in Dhaka remains nearing 200 to 210 crore litres while it increases during the dry season.

“For the last couple of days, the demand stood at 260 to 265 core litres per day. As Ramadan this year falls under the dry season, the sudden changes in the pattern of demands temporarily caused small problems,” he added.

Taqsem said during the dry season, the layer of underground water goes down, the demands for water consumption increase, and the population of the capital went beyond all previous projections from local and international organisations.

“However, we now have a capacity of supplying 290 crore litres of water per day and so are determined that this year DWASA can provide continuous supply for its consumers,” he added.

He urged the consumer to be rational while using water during the upcoming month of Ramadan as it can create huge pressure on the supply to meet.

“DWASA uses 34% surface water for supply”

Confessing having less advancement in attaining DWASA’s goal to use 70 per cent surface water and 30 per cent groundwater for daily water supply, Taqsem said when the target was taken in 2009, they were using 12 per cent surface water and 88 per cent groundwater.

He said for changing the situation it requires the installation of five new treatment plants which are very expensive and require international financing. “As one of the financers, European Union, delayed and revised their portion, new negotiations are needed though five years have passed,” Taqsem added.

“Now, we are progressing and we have ensured all plants are in place, although they are not fully functional. Other infrastructural developments are also ensured and it will help us reach our goal in near future,” he added.