The Padma (Jashaldia) Water Treatment Plant (phase-1) is set to be put through trial operation today (Tuesday) after falling behind its deadline by almost three years.
The Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) has been implementing the Tk 35.08 billion project to meet tape water demand in the city's south-western part covering old city, Azimpur, Dhanmondi, Mohammadpur, Shamoli, Kalabagan and other adjacent areas.
The plant, some 30 kilometres away from the city, will supply around 450 million litres of drinking water per day after full completion of its work to around 4.0 million people living in the city.
Initially, the plant will supply water which will be half of its capacity to the city dwellers, as the distribution lines are yet to be installed or replaced, said Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Md Tajul Islam on Monday after visiting the plant.
He said the Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the water treatment plant at Jashaldia in Lauhajang Upazila of Munshiganj on October 10.
He said that the project will play a significant role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) related to reducing dependency on groundwater and ensuring safe drinking water.
In reply to a question about the full completion of the project, the minister said, "The distribution lines to supply the water from this project aren't fully ready yet and for that reason, the plant will produce at half of its capacity."
Talking about the long distance of the plant from the city, he said, "The project was taken up as a 50-year policy because the water of the rivers adjacent to Dhaka may not be available round the year may not be or of treatment quality."
He also claimed the water will be directly drinkable at the plant but at the customer's end, it will depend on how hygienic their water reservoir or tank is.
"Even developed countries like USA, UK and Singapore can't guarantee safety of drinking water directly from tape as there is always risk involved," the minister also mentioned.
Responding to another question on an allegation of graft in the project, he said, "The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) said they have received complaints about the project. If they find any irregularity after investigation, it will be considered seriously."
The water from the Padma River will get treated at the plant and then pass through a 33km-long pipeline to the distribution zone near Mitford Hospital before it is supplied to households.
Starting in January 2013, the project was expected to be completed by June 2016 but due to multidimensional setbacks, the deadline was changed several times.
China CAMC Engineering Co Ltd has constructed the plant funded by the government and China Exim Bank on the G2G basis.
Local Government Department (LGD) Secretary Helal Uddin Ahmed, WASA Managing Director Taqsem A Khan, Project Manager of the treatment plant Boris Zhang Zhaoyang, among others, were present on the occasion.
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