CHATTOGRAM, Nov 20: The Chattogram Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has launched a project to install one lakh smart meters across the city, with financing from the World Bank. The government approved the project's Development Project Proposal (DPP) in April this year. The total cost is estimated at Tk3,745 crore to improve water supply and ensure equitable distribution.
The project includes laying 375km of new pipelines, establishing 46 district metering areas (DMAs), and installing around 1 lakh smart meters. About Tk250 crore has been earmarked for the meters and associated data systems.
Chief Engineer Makshud Alam told the Daily Observer that a consultant for the project is expected to be appointed by February next year. The authorities will begin with 3,000 meters as a test phase, while the consultant will assess detailed project requirements.
Chattogram WASA has over 97,000 connections, including 9,700 commercial subscribers
Currently, Chattogram WASA serves over 97,000 connections, including 9,700 commercial subscribers, with a daily production capacity of 500 million litres. Only 37 inspectors handle these connections, though experts say at least 80 are needed. Non-revenue water is estimated at 25-30%, compared to the global benchmark of under 5%, resulting in Tk14-17 crore worth of unaccounted water each month. Long-standing allegations blame meter inspectors and revenue officials for corruption.
The recently completed Tk3,082 crore Karnaphuli Water Supply Project-02, financed by JICA, added 692km of distribution pipelines, 59 DMAs, and 35.3km of transmission pipelines, but has not significantly reduced non-revenue water.
Currently, production, management, and reporting are recorded in Excel, while billing remains fully manual. Inspectors take readings, bills are generated in the IT department, and delivered in a 12-week cycle, with a 30% error rate.
To address this, authorities launched a pilot project to install 3,000 smart meters in the Chandgaon zone at a cost of Tk5.79 crore in 2022. However, importing, installing, and fixing technical faults delayed completion, and some meters still show defects requiring replacement.
