As previously announced, the price of water supplied by Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) is increasing from Monday.
This time, the price for general customers is being raised by 10%, making the cost of one thousand liters of water Tk16.70. For commercial customers, the price for the same amount of water is set at Tk46.20, up from Tk42.
This marks the 16th price hike by Wasa in the last 16 years.
Dhaka Wasa claimed that the adjustment in water prices is necessary due to increased operational costs and the repayment of foreign loans.
However, customers argue that Wasa should first ensure the supply of water according to the needs of Dhaka city residents. They say it is inappropriate to raise water prices every year without meeting the city's water demand.
According to the law, Dhaka Wasa's management can increase water prices by up to 5% annually.
In such cases, the price hike needs to be approved in a board meeting of Dhaka Wasa.
To increase prices beyond this limit, approval must be obtained from the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development & Co-operatives. However, it is alleged that neither of these steps was followed this time.
From 2017 to 2019, Dhaka Wasa increased water prices by 5% each year.
In 2020, following government approval, residential water prices were increased by 25%.
In 2021, Dhaka Wasa again raised water prices for both residential and commercial sectors.
The last price hike was in July 2022 when Dhaka Wasa increased water prices by 5%.
However, a legal challenge was filed in the High Court against this price increase, questioning the legality of the hike without proper regulation.
The High Court issued a rule asking why the price increase should not be declared illegal, which temporarily halted the price increase.
Nevertheless, on August 1 of last year, Dhaka Wasa increased the price of water from water ATMs, setting it at Tk0.7 per liter, with an additional Tk0.1 VAT.
Customers have voiced strong reactions to the increase in water prices.
They argue that Wasa should prioritize supplying adequate water to city residents instead of raising prices.
Mamtaz Begum, a resident of Bashabo, said: "We do not get a proper water supply. We have to stand in queues to collect water, which often has a foul odour. For cooking, we have to fetch water in buckets. Wasa should ensure a proper water supply throughout Dhaka city before raising prices every year."
Investigations revealed that areas like Bashabo, Shewrapara, Kathalbagan, Nandipara, Azimpur, Malibagh, and Mohammadpur are still facing drinking water shortages. In some areas, there was no water at all.
However, Dhaka Wasa denied these claims, stating that there is no shortage of water supply in the capital.
They attribute temporary issues in some areas to reasons such as the declining groundwater level, increased water demand, and insufficient deep tube wells.
Mossaddek Hossain, a resident of East Shewrapara, said: "This area often faces water problems. When there is a shortage, we file complaints, and a small water tanker is sent. Despite this ongoing crisis, prices are increasing from today. We protested the price hike announcement, but Wasa ignored us and increased the prices anyway. We hope at least to get a proper water supply now that prices are higher."
Expressing frustration over the price increase without solving the water crisis, Jibon Ahmed, a resident of Kathalbagan, said: "There is no water in the line today. We don't even have enough water for the washroom. I had to go downstairs twice with my child to fetch water. This happens often. 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 they increase prices every year. The government should monitor this better.”
Regarding the price increase, water shortage, and problem resolution, AKM Shahid Uddin, deputy managing director of Dhaka Wasa, said: "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.”
The official advised everyone to contact the Wasa hotline at 16162 if any issues arise and assured that the problem will be addressed within 24 to 72 hours.