WASA Pipe Damage Causes Severe Water Crisis in Chattogram

Local Correspondent

A water supply disruption has caused a severe water shortage across large parts of Chattogram, leaving residents struggling to cope. The issue arose after a water pipeline belonging to WASA was damaged during construction work for a waterlogging mitigation project in the Oxygen-Kuwaish Road area near the Ananya residential zone.

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon during piling work for culvert construction under the project. The pipeline, which supplies water from the Karnaphuli Water Treatment Plant-1 in Rangunia to various parts of the city, was severely damaged, halting water supply to multiple areas.

Residents in affected neighborhoods, particularly those without alternative sources like deep tube wells, are facing extreme difficulties. Areas affected include Halishahar, Agrabad, Madarbari, Dewanhat, GEC Mor, Bahaddarhat, Nandan Kanan, Jamal Khan, Chawkbazar, and several others.

Jamal Khan resident Abu Tayeb expressed his frustration, stating, “The little water that arrived yesterday was dirty, black, and foul-smelling. Now there is no water at all. We are forced to buy water for cooking and drinking.”

Agrabad resident Hasan Morshed added, “WASA water is our only source. With the supply cut off, we are in serious trouble.”

The damage reportedly occurred due to the inexperience of workers hired for the project. Witnesses observed an 8-10 inch crack in the 48-inch diameter pipeline, and repair work is ongoing.

Lieutenant Colonel Md. Ferdous Ahmed, the project director of the 34 Engineer Construction Brigade overseeing the project, acknowledged that the pipeline’s underground alignment caused the damage. He assured that efforts are being made to assist WASA in repairing the damage quickly.

WASA Managing Director Anwar Pasha visited the site and confirmed that repair efforts are underway. He stated, “We aim to complete the repairs by tonight, but it could take another day or two.”

Authorities have issued public notices about the disruption, and efforts to normalize the situation are being expedited.