MR Amin, Chittagong

Water theft is not stopped in the name of system loss in Chittagong WASA. Chittagong Wasa is losing a huge amount of revenue every month. Although the authorities have demanded various measures to stop water theft, it is not decreasing.

Besides, system losses are not reducing due to water theft through leakages and illegal connections in supply lines. The issue of complicity of some officers and employees of WASA revenue department in the process of illegal connection is gaining importance in the discussion. Besides, if the tube wells are brought under the license at the individual level in the city, the revenue income would have increased a lot.

It has been alleged that 100 crores of water per year has been wasted from the income of water sales in Chittagong Oysa. Several reliable sources said that some inspectors and related officials of the revenue branch are misappropriating this money in the name of system loss. Several customers said on the condition of anonymity that although there is a rule to collect bills through the bank, the inspectors collect monthly bribes through Bkash.

It is known that 38 inspectors are working in Chittagong WASA revenue branch. They bill the customer according to the amount of water usage, the customer pays the bill through the bank. But while making this bill, some dishonest inspectors reduce the bill amount by making cash transactions. There are also allegations that some people transact money with customers through BKash. However, if the bribe is not paid, the amount of the bill is increased abnormally. Inspector of Chandgaon area. Nashir is accused of harassing the customer for not paying the transaction on Bikash number. Information on money transactions has also been found in Bikash.

If you want to know about this matter, Chittagong WASA Inspector Md. When contacted Nashir denied taking money outside the bill. When told that the evidence of the transaction in Bikash is in the hands of the reporter, he suggested talking to the office citing these matters as conspiracy.

According to Chittagong WASA sources, WASA produces and supplies 47.5 million liters or 4 lakh 75 thousand cubic meters of water on a daily basis. Out of this, 47500 cubic meters of water is sold to commercial establishments at the rate of 37 taka as 10 percent. From which the daily income is 17 lakh 57 thousand taka. The annual amount is 64 crore 13 lakh 5 thousand taka. The remaining 4 lakh 27 thousand 500 cubic meters of water is sold to residential customers at the rate of 18 taka and the daily income is 76 lakh 95 thousand taka.

The annual amount is 280 crore 86 lakh 75 thousand taka. The annual income from commercial and residential water sales is expected to be Tk 345 crore. Even if the system loss is excluded at the rate of 10 percent, the annual income is expected to be Tk 310 crore 50 lakh. But monthly income in this sector is 19 to 20 crores. If we calculate 19 and a half crore rupees on an average month, the amount in 12 months (one year) stands at 234 crores of taka . In other words, about 77 crores taka are lost in a year. And if the alleged system loss is a little less, the officials of the revenue branch are making 100 crores a year.

According to another source of Wasa, the system loss was up to 35 percent during the time of former MD AKM Fazlullah during the Awami League government which fell into public anger. It is alleged that tens of thousands of crores of taka have been embezzled in the name of this system loss in the last 16 years.

On the condition of anonymity, several officials of the engineering department of Chittagong Wasa said that we are increasing production with great difficulty to ensure the service of the city dwellers. But due to some dishonest people in the revenue department, proper income is not coming. It is necessary to be more conscious in collecting revenue, otherwise the fruits of our troubles are likely to go to other people's houses. If necessary, legal action should be taken against those involved in irregularities.

When asked about this, Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) Central Committee Vice President and Chittagong Divisional Committee President SM Najer Hoshain said that the controversial and corrupt managing director of Chittagong WASA, Fazlullah, has been expelled, but his accomplices and associates are still at large. Because of which irregularities and corruption are going on like in the past. In the name of system loss, water theft and wastage did not stop. And Chittagong water system loss is more than 30 percent.

And so much system loss means that this institution is plagued with irregularities. And the main reason for this system loss is irregularity in water meter, bill manipulation and wastage of water. Many customers are paying high bills due to tampering with meter readers and many are paying low water bills in agreement with meter readers. And the responsibility of this theft is falling on the shoulders of WASA and consumers have to take the final responsibility. Therefore, to stop WASA's irregularities and corruption, there is no option but to take strict action against the corrupt officials. At the same time, it is necessary to quickly reform by appointing a new managing director and forming a new board of directors.

When asked about this, Chittagong WASA Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) Rumon Dey said, 'WASA is a government service organization, there is no opportunity to take cash, development transactions or bribes. We are trying to collect as much revenue as possible. 38 inspectors are working to check readings, identify illegal connections and take necessary action. Regarding the revenue coming in less than the supply of water, he said, a lot of water is wasted due to various reasons including holes in the lines, resulting in 25 to 30 percent system lossTrying to reduce system loss more to increase income.

According to Chittagong Wasaya, the daily water demand of the city is 42 crore liters but the demand is more. However, against the demand, currently 36 crore liters of water is being supplied daily. Water is still being supplied through rationing in several areas of the city. Many areas are getting regular water. There is water shortage especially in high areas.