Chattogram:Chattogram Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has embarked on a significant infrastructure initiative to provide a reliable and uninterrupted potable water supply to the residents of the port city. Central to this initiative is the installation of 85 additional deep tube wells, which is part of a broader development framework valued at Tk 3,921 crore.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the development framework is financed through a combination of WASA's own funds and project-specific funding. It aims to modernize the water distribution system by upgrading aging pipelines, reducing water leakage and system loss, expanding production capacity, and curbing illegal connections with smart meters. So far, WASA has completed the installation of 7 deep tube wells.
To address immediate water supply gaps, especially in elevated and fringe areas, WASA has initiated a targeted installation plan. Of the 85 wells, 60 are being installed under the "Chattogram Water Supply Project," with the remaining 25 funded entirely from WASA's internal resources. Seven wells built with WASA's own funds are now fully operational.
WASA Managing Director Engineer Selim Md Jane Alam stated that several projects have been undertaken to ensure a reliable water supply for city residents, with each tube well capable of extracting 10 lakh (1 million) liters daily. Thirty of the wells will be installed in Kalurghat, and the water will be pumped to the Bahaddarhat station for citywide distribution. Installations will also occur in higher-elevation areas, historically plagued by low water pressure and supply shortages.
The broader development framework was approved at the ECNEC meeting on April 20, 2025. The World Bank is contributing Tk 3,268 crore towards the project, the government is providing Tk 578 crore, and Chattogram WASA is allocating Tk 74 crore from its own funds. Water loss due to aging infrastructure and illegal tapping has been a significant issue, and the project will see about 300 kilometers of old pipelines replaced in key areas.
Additionally, a District Metered Area (DMA) network with 100,000 automated smart meters is being deployed to curb illegal connections, reduce system loss, and improve revenue collection. WASA's modernization strategy includes parallel initiatives, such as supplying water to the Bandar-Patenga zone, new projects for the Mohara Water Treatment Plant, and the Madunaghat area.
The Chattogram Water Supply Development Project aims to reduce wastage, ensure a steady supply at uniform pressure, and enhance revenue collection. Planning is also underway for the "Karnaphuli Water Supply Project-3," with capacity expansion of the Bhandaljuri Water Treatment Plant being financed by the Export-Import Bank of South Korea (Exim Bank).
Through localized deep-well extraction, international funding partnerships, and digital network upgrades, Chattogram WASA is working toward a sustainable, high-pressure, and accountable water distribution system for the future.