State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam has given project directors overseeing Dhaka WASA initiatives a two-month deadline to show progress. He also warned that the officials who fail to deliver visible results within the period will be removed.
Addressing a review session on Dhaka WASA’s overall operations at its Karwan Bazar headquarters on Thursday, he voiced strong dissatisfaction over the utility’s recent performance, a press release stated.
He noted that the absence of fresh initiatives and satisfactory project advancement over the past seven months was deeply disappointing.
Expressing firm disapproval over implementation delays spanning multiple years following approval, Shahe Alam commanded officials to accelerate execution speed.
Pointing out that the government would bear ultimate responsibility should a water shortage occur, he instructed WASA management to enact prompt, efficient measures to address the challenges facing city residents.
Among specific infrastructure works, Shahe Alam mandated the swift completion of pipeline connection running from Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant to Baridhara, Banani, and Gulshan.
He directed the prompt preparation of a Development Project Proposal (DPP) to build a water supply network across Purbachal area.
Unveiling a major policy overhaul, Shahe Alam announced that the government has decided to amend the law to disband all WASA boards throughout Bangladesh.
He explained that while statutory provisions allow for WASA boards, the government retains full authority to form or dissolve them at any time.
A ministerial review established that these boards frequently impeded public service delivery and engaged in unnecessary interference, thereby stalling utility operations.
Detailing operational metrics, the state minister observed that Dhaka’s daily water supply and demand currently stand at 314 crore litres each, with requirement expanding alongside urban population growth and household expansion.
Highlighting water sourcing imbalances, he noted that groundwater accounts for 74 per cent of Dhaka WASA’s current supply, whereas surface water contributes only 26 per cent.
To mitigate earthquake hazards, he urged the accelerated execution of surface water schemes to lower groundwater reliance to 20–25 per cent.
Regarding financial sustainability and operational modernisation, Shahe Alam stressed that the organisation must boost internal revenue generation while preserving service standards. Heightened revenue, he explained, would diminish reliance on foreign borrowing and empower the utility to finance public welfare ventures using its own funds.
He additionally called for expanded automation across meter reading and billing operations.
Looking towards long-term urban planning, he instructed WASA authorities to draft a new, comprehensive organisational structure and staffing plan aligned with anticipated water demand in 2050, for submission to the ministry.
To combat irregularities and corruption, Shahe Alam ordered an immediate crackdown on illegal and unauthorised water connections across the capital, demanding uncompromising action against influential figures or political miscreants involved.
Simultaneously, he cautioned Collective Bargaining Agents (CBA) and employee organisations against utilising political influence to interrupt public services, asserting that such interference will not be tolerated in a service-oriented institution.
To minimise resource loss, he directed officials to launch public awareness campaigns encouraging citizens to use water responsibly, including turning off taps during shaving or tooth brushing.
Concluding his remarks, he reiterated that he would personally return in two months to inspect WASA’s progress, expecting fundamental, visible changes that offer meaningful relief to Dhaka residents.
The review meeting was chaired by Dhaka WASA Managing Director Md Moniruzzaman.
It was attended by senior management, delegates from the engineers’ association and diploma engineers’ association, CBA leaders, and employees across various ranks.
