Chattogram WASA has launched an intensive drive to recover outstanding revenue amounting to approximately Tk259 crore. To facilitate this recovery, the organisation has deployed eight monitoring teams to conduct field operations.
According to official records, the total debt includes Tk71.52 crore owed by various government departments and Tk187.43 crore due from general consumers.
The monitoring teams consist of officials from the revenue and engineering departments, including executive engineers, revenue officers, revenue supervisors, and meter inspectors.
These teams, supervised by the deputy managing director (finance), visit the residences and establishments of defaulting customers every working day to collect unpaid bills.
WASA officials stated that the drive is currently prioritising customers with arrears exceeding Tk50,000. While the teams initially seek to resolve the issue through dialogue, temporary disconnection of service is being carried out against those who refuse to pay.
Action against illegal connections
In addition to revenue recovery, the drive aims to sever illegal water connections and regulate unlicensed deep tube wells. The organisation noted that unauthorised connections are a primary cause of increased system loss.
However, WASA is providing an opportunity for these illegal users to become legitimate customers by paying prescribed fines.
Regarding deep tube wells, the campaign focuses on closing those installed without permission or bringing them under the licensing framework through fines. This initiative is expected to boost revenue while ensuring better control over groundwater usage.
On 16 August, an operation in the Bandartila area of Airport Road resulted in the disconnection of three water lines belonging to a consumer named Md Jasim Uddin.
WASA alleged that the individual was involved in the illegal sale of water. He reportedly owes approximately Tk15 lakh across the three connections.
Public awareness and official stance
To support the recovery effort, Chattogram WASA has been conducting awareness programmes since July. These activities include public announcements via loudspeaker and the distribution of leaflets across every ward in the city to encourage residents to pay their bills regularly.
Engineer Salim Md Jane Alam, managing director of Chattogram WASA, affirmed the organisation’s determination to recover the arrears. He emphasised that as these bills constitute government revenue, there is no scope for them to be waived.
“I urge all defaulting customers to cooperate in the development of WASA’s services by clearing their dues,” Alam said.
He further maintained a strict stance against illegal connections and unlicensed tube wells, calling on all citizens to respect the law by legalising unauthorised lines and obtaining the necessary licences.
