WASA line damage leaves large swathes of Chattogram without water

An acute water shortage has hit a large part of Chattogram city after a WASA pipeline was damaged in the Sagarika area during the installation of underground power cables. Many areas have been left without water for two days as a result.

The water supply has been completely cut off in Agrabad, Halishahar, CDA, Dewanhat, and Kadamtali areas, affecting thousands of residents.

According to WASA officials, repairing the damaged pipeline may take another two days, meaning the water crisis could continue until Wednesday.

The disruption has caused untold hardship for residents, particularly in areas like Halishahar, CDA, Dewanhat and Kadamtali, where many homes lack alternative water sources like deep tube wells. Those relying solely on WASA’s supply are suffering the most.

According to officials, the damage occurred during work on the "Expansion and Strengthening of Chattogram’s Power Transmission System" project, implemented by Power Grid Bangladesh PLC.

"On Saturday night, while Power Grid Bangladesh was installing underground cables in the Sagarika area, our 44-inch diameter pipeline was damaged," said WASA's Superintendent Engineer Md Nurul Amin.

"As a result, we are unable to transfer water to the Halishahar tank, which supplies multiple areas, leading to a complete halt in water supply to Halishahar, Agrabad, CDA, Dewanhat, and surrounding areas."

In a public notice, WASA informed residents that the disruption will affect water supply to the Halishahar Elevated Tank, Agrabad commercial area, CDA residential area, West Madarbari, Halishahar, Boropol, Chhotopol, Beparipara, Gosaildanga, Panwalapara, Postarpar, Dhaniwala Para, Kadamtali, Hajipara, Shantibag, Muhuripara, Pahartali, Eidgah, Dewanhat, and nearby neighbourhoods.

WASA teams have been working overnight to resolve issue, according to Nurul Amin.

"Since the pipeline is underground, we first need to expose the damage before we can carry out repairs. We are trying to complete the work as quickly as possible."

"It may take two more days to fully complete the repairs. That means water supply may not resume before Wednesday. Power Grid Bangladesh’s contractors are assisting us with the repair work."