WASA affairs

The Dhaka WASA collects Tk 6.34 for supplying one cubic meter water along with another Tk 6.34 for sewerage and 15 per cent VAT amounting to Tk 14.56 from domestic consumers. On the other hand, commercial consumers are to pay Tk 48.57 for one cubic meter water supply. WASA supplies water through one water meter to a building whatever may be the number of apartments of different classifications. Thus, consumers are totally unaware about their individual consumptions at one end while the rates are too high for commercial consumers against domestic consumers. Under the above facts consumers are often compelled to practice underhand deals with WASA revenue officials as revenue officials like the inspector is the sole authority to classify tariff. There is no harm if the billing system is simplified through issuance of bill books like "Titas gas" and this will enhance WASA revenue at one hand while many of us will not be compelled to adopt underhand deals. The public-private participation is often discussed and preached but no action is yet perceived. The WASA billing can be handed over to private undertakings, NGO's or other similar agencies. From my experience, I can say that an office of 15-20 people located in an apartment consume hardly 20 cubic meter water against 50 cubic meter per month for a family of 5.0 in the same floor space of an apartment. Unfortunately, the WASA revenue inspector fixes the rates on a 50:50 basis which means Tk 728 for domestic one against Tk 2428 for commercial one. Thus, it is time to do something as mere utterances of corruption control is not enough. Corruption at WASA is well-known and the parliamentary standing committee has expressed dissatisfaction. Even the WASA supplied new meters are tampered at meter regulating WASA office so that correct readings are not available. Every government blames the previous government for the worsening corruption but nothing is done to fight the corruption. Even local MPs may introduce 'darbar day' once a month or so to hear the grievances of people relating to corruption. Similar is the case with electricity, land revenue, DCC holding tax fixation etc. Let something happen in reality towards curbing corruption! Mahbub Ali Dhaka