Chattogram: Chattogram WASA has initiated a pilot project to install 100 safe drinking water ATM booths in the city aimed at providing safe and affordable drinking water to the low-income residents and regions experiencing water shortages. To facilitate this, the WASA authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with WaterAid Bangladesh here yesterday afternoon for the installation of these 100 water ATM booths on a pilot basis.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Engineer Selim Md. Jane Alam, Managing Director of Chattogram WASA, and Ajman Ahmed Chowdhury, Country Director of WaterAid Bangladesh, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides. Around 100 water ATM booths will be installed throughout the city as part of this agreement. WaterAid Bangladesh will cover the costs of the capital equipment for these booths and will also oversee water quality testing and necessary treatment processes.
In addition, WaterAid has committed to resolving any mechanical issues with the booths within 48 hours. Should a booth remain out of service for more than 72 hours, alternative temporary water supply solutions will be implemented. Engineer Selim Md Jane Alam emphasized that the water ATM booth serves not only as a water supply system but also as a significant initiative to provide safe water to those in greatest need.
He further noted that through this collaboration, future projects will be launched to install deep tube wells for low-income communities and to supply water using Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology in areas affected by salinity. Effective strategies will also be implemented to enhance and optimize Chattogram WASA's billing system, which includes the creation of billing applications and the expansion of the water supply network.
WaterAid Bangladesh's Country Director, Ajman Ahmed Chowdhury, expressed that the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would fortify the collaboration between Chattogram WASA and WaterAid Bangladesh, ensuring that the advantages directly benefit the residents of Chattogram. The establishment of water ATM booths is a significant initiative outlined in this agreement.
The main aim of this agreement is to enhance the accessibility of safe drinking water for the general populace-especially in metropolitan areas experiencing water shortages and where low-income individuals need safe, affordable drinking water-by setting up water ATM booths. As part of the agreement, WaterAid Bangladesh will evaluate the water quality from Chattogram WASA's pumps or supply lines and, depending on the quality assessments, determine the necessity for-and execute-additional water treatment solutions if needed.
With Chattogram WASA supplying the land for the ATM booths during the initial phase, all capital equipment will be financed by WaterAid Bangladesh.