WASA PDs to face action if progress stalls: State Minister 

Local Government State Minister Mir Shahe Alam has warned that project directors (PDs) failing to make visible progress on approved projects within two months would face strict action, including removal from their posts.

He made the warning at a review meeting on Dhaka WASA's activities at its headquarters in Karwan Bazar on Thursday.

The minister directed officials to expedite the pipeline connection project linking the Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant with Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara. He also ordered the prompt preparation of a development project proposal for a water supply network in Purbachal.

Expressing dissatisfaction with WASA's performance, Shahe Alam said Dhaka's daily water demand and supply currently stood at 3.14 billion litres each. He noted that no significant innovation or project progress had been evident over the past seven months.

He said groundwater accounted for 74 per cent of the city's water supply, while surface water made up 26 per cent. He urged officials to accelerate surface-water projects to reduce groundwater dependence to 20�"25 per cent.

The minister also announced plans to amend the law to abolish WASA boards nationwide, citing concerns over unnecessary interference and delays. He called for higher revenue, greater automation in meter reading and billing, and reduced dependence on foreign loans.