Starting Monday, the Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) has implemented a 10% increase in water prices for general customers, raising the cost to Tk16.70 per thousand liters. Commercial customers will now pay Tk46.20, up from Tk42. This marks the 16th price hike by Wasa in 16 years.
Wasa justifies the increase due to rising operational costs and the need to repay foreign loans. However, customers are outraged, arguing that Wasa should prioritize ensuring an adequate water supply before raising prices annually.
By law, Wasa can increase water prices by up to 5% annually, requiring approval in a board meeting. For increases beyond this limit, approval from the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development & Co-operatives is needed. Allegedly, neither step was followed this time.
From 2017 to 2019, Wasa increased water prices by 5% each year. In 2020, residential water prices saw a 25% hike following government approval. In 2021, prices were raised again for both residential and commercial sectors. The last increase was in July 2022, which faced a legal challenge that temporarily halted the hike.
Customers have expressed strong reactions to the latest price increase. Mamtaz Begum from Bashabo highlighted ongoing water supply issues, stating, “We have to stand in queues to collect water, which often has a foul odor. Wasa should ensure a proper water supply throughout Dhaka city before raising prices every year.”
Areas like Bashabo, Shewrapara, Kathalbagan, Nandipara, Azimpur, Malibagh, and Mohammadpur are reportedly still facing water shortages. Despite these claims, Wasa denies any water supply issues, attributing temporary problems to declining groundwater levels and increased demand.
Mossaddek Hossain from East Shewrapara said, “Despite this ongoing crisis, prices are increasing. We hope at least to get a proper water supply now that prices are higher.”
Expressing frustration, Jibon Ahmed from Kathalbagan said, “Wasa says there’s a shortage during hot weather, but now it’s raining. So why is there still a shortage? They cannot meet people’s needs yet increase prices every year. The government should monitor this better.”
Deputy Managing Director of Dhaka Wasa, AKM Shahid Uddin, stated, “The decision to increase water prices was taken according to the law. There is no water problem in the capital because production exceeds demand. Currently, the daily demand for water in the capital is 2.6 billion liters, while Wasa’s production capacity is 2.7 billion liters.” He advised contacting the Wasa hotline at 16162 for any issues, assuring that problems will be addressed within 24 to 72 hours.
