DHAKA, May 18, 2025(BSS) - Chattogram WASA is going to start the process for replacement of its 300 kilometers service line at a cost of Taka 4000 crore, official sources said here today.

"The organization will bring its one lakh subscribers under digital metering system by replacing the 300-kilometer old service lines," officials said.

Officials at the engineering department of Chattogram WASA said that the process for implementing the project, including appointment of consultants, will begin within June. Ground preparations and floating of tender for the project will be completed within December this year, added the officials.

Md Anwar Pasha, Managing Director (MD) of Chhattogram WASA, told BSS that the estimated cost of the project is Taka 3,921 crore and it would be implemented within 12 years including six years grace period. The International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank group will give Taka 3,268 crore and the government of Bangladesh will provide Taka 578 crore and the WASA will spend Taka 74 crore from its own fund for the project.
The government of Bangladesh and the IDA recently signed an agreement involving about 280 million US dollars under 'Chhattogram Water Supply Improvement Project' to implement the project. Secretary of the Economic Relations Department (ERD) Md Shahriar Kader Siddiqui and the interim country director of the World Bank Gail H Martin signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides. This loan would have to be repaid within 35 years, including five years grace period.

The aims of the project are increasing the supply of safe water, ensuring dependable and climate resilience water supply in Chattogram city, improving sanitation system and increasing production and financial capacity of Chattogram WASA. This project will be implemented by 2030 under the supervision of the Local Government ministry.

The Chief Engineer of Chattogram WASA Maksud Alam told BSS that through this project, they will introduce automated smart metering system for its subscribers. It will help reduce wastage and ensure uninterrupted and balanced supply of water, he said, adding that the revenue income of Chhatogram WASA will also increase through this project.

The Chattogram WASA has divided the enter city into six hydraulic zones for ensuring its better water supply management and maintenance, the Chief Engineer added.