DWASA plans to switch to 70pc dependency on surface water

Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) has set up 26 new deep tubwells and replaced 39 in the city in 2013-14 fiscal year whereas it has a plan to  switch to its 70 per cent dependency on surface water for its total water production by 2021.
DWASA is still 78 per cent dependent on underground water for its total water production and only 22 per cent on surface water.
This was disclosed at a views exchange meeting on DWASA's preparation for water supply ahead of the holy month of Ramadan and rainy season in the conference room of WASA Bhaban in the city Thursday.
DWASA Managing Director Taqsem A Khan said: "We have taken all sorts of preparations for ensuring uninterrupted water supply during the holy month of Ramadan as well as the rainy season."
He said: "We have the capacity to produce 2.42 billion litres water a day but demand fluctuates between 2.14 billion and 2.30 billion litres daily."
He said: "We will set up four new deep tubwells and replace six tubewells in the city ahead of Ramadan."
He expressed the hope that DWASA would be able to provide adequate water to the city dewellers during the fasting month.
Mr Khan said 46 water carrying vehicles and 19 tractors will remain standby round the clock for instant water supply depending on demand of city dwellers during Ramadan.  
The managing director said DWASA has taken measures to supply water during 'Iftar' and 'Sehri' through water tank and trolleys in different public places in the city.   
He said special arrangement has been made for ensuring uninterrupted water supply in the mosques during Ramadan and water will be supplied through water carrying vehicles instantly if it is required.
He said: "Around 405 generators will run as backup for lifting water by deep-tubewells in case of power outage. Dual line connections of electricity have been connected to 215 water pumps to run those continuously during loadshedding.
"This type of dual connection will also be given to rest of the water pumps".
Fifteen complaint centres will remain open 24 hours to receive complaints from the consumers, while the city dewellers will also be able to call "WASA link 16162" number to lodge their complaints, Mr Khan said.   
He said eleven vigilance teams will be active to monitor the water supply position.   
Dhaka WASA Deputy Managing Directors Ataur Rahman and Kamrul Alam Chowdhury, and Chief Engineer Bazlur Rahman were present, among others, at the view exchange meeting.