The Dhaka Water Supply and Sanitation Project (DWSSP), supported by the World Bank, is helping the Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) to improve stormwater drainage in select catchments in Dhaka and strengthen its planning capacity, reports BSS.
The project has initiated measures to install selected storm water pumping stations and rehabilitate selected canals to help improve drainage and minimize urban flooding, said a WB statement in the city Tuesday.
The estimated total cost of the project is US$ 92.7 million. The World Bank is providing US$ 76.0 million, while the government is financing the remaining costs.
Installation works of two major storm water-pumping stations at the Rampura and Kamlapur areas of Dhaka have advanced and commissioning of one of the pump stations at Rampura is expected by July 15, 2014, before the monsoon season.
Full completion of the other pump station at Kamlapur is scheduled for June 30, 2015. Rehabilitation works for the targeted ten drainage canals is progressing well and canal rehabilitation works in four canals has been completed. The total capacity of rehabilitated drainage canals has increased to 120m3/s and the total length of rehabilitated canals now stands at 18,000m.
Construction works in the remaining six canals is already underway and expected to be completed by project closing date. The project is also supporting preparation of the wastewater management master plan, drainage master plan, and service improvement plan for low income communities.
The master plan for wastewater management in Dhaka city has been completed and it has identified the need for about US$ 1.7 billion investments in wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure in Dhaka city over the next 20 years.
In order to implement the recommendations of the wastewater management master plan, the project is supporting preparation of additional priority sewerage investments to be implemented through future projects.
Currently DWASA's water supply coverage does not include the slums, but through the project DWASA is collaborating with NGOs to improve service delivery in several low income communities.
Procurement activities to engage contractors for installing water supply system in these communities are now underway. With only 18 months left till the project ends, the World Bank urge the DWASA management to continue monitoring project activities closely to ensure that they remain on track.
