Ensure safe water for Dhaka residents

Water is another name for life. But the other name of Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) is death. Whenever you turn the tap on you immediately just get smelly dirty water. Children and the older persons are getting sick by this reason. It is known according to a newspaper article published yesterday, Wednesday (10 July), dwellers are under these conditions in the capital city TTpara and Gopi Bagh for the last one week.

The dwellers of Maniknagar, Jatrabari, Demra, Qutubkhali and Shanir Akhara areas have been complaining against WASA’s water. Locals complaint, due to some reason the water of Tttipara canal has entered into WASA pipeline and mixed with. The problem was at a tolerable level earlier, but the condition of the water has been so bad for several months. The water is almost undrinkable. This water cannot be used even for cooking or washing clothes.

Including Diarrhea and skin disorders, various diseases are increasing in those areas caused by drinking contaminated water. Nearby hospitals are filled with these patients. Doctors also said, the main cause of these diseases is the use of contaminated water. However, WASA officials denied the allegation. They said, there was a problem in water, but now it has been solved.

But the comments of local people are different. The victims said, despite repeated complaints to WASA no solution was found. These complaints against WASA are not new. These complaints are heard from different areas again and again after a few days. As if there is no permanent solution, only temporary. As a result, The people of the area have somehow accepted these problems and being forced to live.

Dhaka is the most densely populated city. Especially in the lower areas are more densely populated. Generally middle class and lower middle-class people live in these areas. They have to live a very unhealthy life due to the circumstances. Their life is bound to be dangerous if contaminated water is added to this. There is no river in Dhaka, no tube well; the only water source is WASA, city-dwellers have to depend on this organization helplessly.

Many of them can’t afford medical treatment if they get sick for using dirty water from WASA. So, we demand, WASA should be care for distributing safe water. WASA should ensure clean drinking water for the people of Dhaka. All concerned in this regard has to play an attentive role. The government should take essential action so that the general public can trust this important institution of the government. That will be our expectation that the other name of water should be life instead of death.