Drinking water crisis has exacerbated in different areas of Dhaka amid the internet blackout countrywide. This water crisis was triggered, as around 300 water ATM booths of Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) remained closed for the last five days.
Local grocery shops remained close due to the on-going curfew so the general people had to boil supply water to drink. After visiting several other booths in Mirpur, Kochukhet, Kafrul and Rampura no arrangements were seen regarding this crisis.
On spot visit, this correspondent found that a booth located Mirpur-14 roundabout was closed and there was a notice saying, “Water supply closed due to internet blackout”. Local people told that the situation is no exceptional in other areas.
Sumon Sarker, a resident of Mirpur-14, said, “There is no water in my home from last Thursday. The booths were close, supply water is not drinkable but we have no other option. Besides, there is no gas as well. So we have to boil and drink the dust water using cylinder gas.”
WASA in cooperation with Drinkwell established these water ATM booths, where people can buy drinking water by paying through card. In May this year, WASA increased water price by ten per cent which was in effect from July 1.
In this regard, WASA Deputy Managing Director Shahid Uddin said, “Due to the internet blackout, all 300 water ATM booths remained closed. Our network is totally disconnected. We hope this problem will get solved very soon.”
Weather water will be supplied in a particular arrangement, Shahid said, “It would not be possible for the time being. But people can boil the supply water and drink it directly. But everyone reserves the water in the reservoir where the water gets contaminated with bacteria and dust and get polluted.
Drinkwell Assistant Manager (Operation and Coordination) Md Saddam Hossain Rony said, “The government said that the internet service will be open at any time. As soon as we get the internet service we can provide the water supply.
“If the internet crisis continues, we will take alternative initiative.”
Jamila Khatun lives in Puran Kachukhet where water crisis is a common issue. Talking with The Business Post, she said, “Water issue in our area is an old problem. But after the current curfew and internet crisis, we became helpless as there is no water in our area.
“We collect drinking water from our neighbour who has a deep tube-well. The grocery shops are also closed. We do not get any help from the WASA. They failed to understand our sufferings; otherwise they would have provided us with water tanks so that we can get water to drink.”
