Complaints against Ctg Wasa for sending bills despite no water supply

Consumers in Chattogram have complained against the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) for getting water bills despite not receiving any supply.

During a public hearing organised by Chattogram Wasa at the Chittagong Press Club on Wednesday (27 December), many consumers also complained that due to non-payment of bills, outstanding bills are piling up to lakhs.

They demanded an investigation into such billings and waiver of the bills.

"We have not been getting water for years. We get no water supply but still get billed. Despite not getting water, outstanding bills of up to Tk1 lakh are being shown. But we are still not getting any solution," said Noman-E-Alam Khan, a customer from the Sardar Bahadur Nagar area of South Khulshi.

In response, Chattogram Wasa Managing Director AKM Fazlullah advised the customer to apply for disconnection.

Stating that Wasa does not have the power to waive the bill, the MD said, "It is normal to send the bill if no application is made."

Shimul Barua, general secretary of Halshahar's Greenview Residential Welfare Association, said, "Water is not regularly supplied in my area. In many places, the connection line is leaking, and the water is being wasted. Our area used to have 10-12 houses, but now there are about 400 houses. But water is being given in the previous ratio."

Answering questions from the journalists regarding allegations of irregularities by Wasa, AKM Fazlullah said, "I will not say that there is no corruption in my organisation. But compared to before, it has decreased."

He added that customers are welcome to visit his office and discuss any issues they may have.

Wasa officials said a new project is being undertaken and assured that there will be no more water problems if that project is implemented.

At present, the demand for water in the port city is 48 crore litres. In contrast, Chattogram Wasa is now producing 56 crore litres of water.

The Chattogram Wasa MD said till 2009, 36% of the water produced by them came from the underground. The remaining 64% came from the Mohara Water Treatment Plant.

Presently, Chattogram City is not dependent on groundwater sources, he added.

"Groundwater contains too much iron and the water table has dropped rapidly. Besides, deep tube wells are difficult to dig due to underground soil and rocks. At present, 8% of water in Chattogram is supplied from underground sources. The remaining water comes from four water treatment plants," he added.

Heads of various departments of Chattogram Wasa were present during the public hearing