Editorial
WASA losses
Identify illegal connections and take action
IT is a horrendous figure -- but true -- the Dhaka Water & Sewerage Authority(WASA) loses Tk 35 crore every year due to system loss. The loss takes place in various ways -- but most of all due to the connivance of some of its corrupt officials and employees who dispense illegal services to those willing to pay for illegal benefits.
What is frustrating is the fact that while it is well known that there are over a lakh illegal connections in Dhaka and Narayanganj, which cause the maximum system loss, we have seen nothing to assure us that the concerned authorities have taken appropriate and adequate measures to redress the situation.
We realise the fact that like many service providers WASA faces resource crunch -- and its inability to meet the demand of water of the residents of the areas it serves, is not entirely its fault. But the least it can do is to ensure that whatever is produced goes to the deserving ones, and other system losses like less billing than the actual usage are reduced to the bare minimum. We appreciate the fact that its complement of manpower is not up to the required level -- resulting in a very poor supervisory function of the inspectors. But whatever little there is, is not used efficiently.
WASA is learnt to have requested the army through LGRD ministry to conduct a customer survey to determine the actual number of illegal connections. Had WASA used its own oversight resources, whatever little that might be, regularly and honestly over the years, it would not have been necessary to involve in a six-month exercise by another agency. However, we suggest that instead of waiting six months to get the exact figure of illegal connections, corrective measures should be taken immediately not only to disconnect the illegal connections that are well known, but also to ensure that those responsible for dishonest deals are taken to task.
We suggest also that the government seriously address the state of WASA manpower and other resources on one hand and on the other WASA should organise its present manpower more efficiently as also its internal oversight mechanism. After all, no system, even with the full resources at its disposal, can be efficient with warped objectives lacking in commitment.
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