Staff Reporter :
The Transparency International Bangladesh [TIB] in its latest study report has categorically blamed Dhaka WASA [Water Supply & Sewerage Authority] and Bangladesh Water Development Board [BWDB] for widespread corruption by their officials and employees.
It said that officials and employees of DWASA in connivance with political cadres and brokers control the total water supply activities of the organisation.
Besides, the officials and employees of Bangladesh Water Development Board [BWDB] are also getting involved in large-scale financial irregularities almost frequently due to absence of accountability.
There are several incidents where responsible persons were not properly punished although corruption charges against them have been proved undoubtedly.
They study further revealed that work orders are changed and payment of additional work is approved in DWASA often violating the existing rules. Not only that, the DWASA authorities allegedly recruit staff without giving advertisements in newspapers.
The above findings came in a study titled, “Integrity in Water Management of Bangladesh: Present Perspective and Development Potential” which was revealed at a press conference jointly organised by TIB and Bangladesh Water Integrity Network [BAWIN] at TIB office in the city.
BAWIN is an integrated network comprising 17 organisations of water sector formed under the auspices of TIB in 2009.
Prof Syed Hafizur Rahman and Prof Dr Sheikh Tawhidul Islam of Jahangirnagar University, presented the study findings who had earlier jointly conducted the baseline survey.
“As per clients’ view, DWASA is not capable of providing its service to all areas of the city, while area-based inequality is found in its service. The area-based syndicate along with brokers and DWASA employees are controlling water supply in the capital,” said TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman.
The study said a section of DWASA officials is involved in grabbing DWASA land while it also reportedly supplies low-quality [dirty] water to its consumers.
The study also identified some major challenges for DWASA. These are: lack of capacity to deliver water supply against demand, infringement of informal, unauthorised entities in different segments of water distribution processes, limited public participation in decision making processes, absence of necessary principles for effective water governance such as transparency, accountability, legitimacy and legality, equity and inclusiveness.
The study also closely analyzed the activities of BWDB. It said there are allegations that some BWDB staff is involved in financial corruption in water management. Good governance in BWDB is yet to be ensured as the graft suspects could not be punished.
It was found that the BWDB implemented most of the projects without maintaining engineering guideline and the geo bags were not used in constructing the embankments. Instead of using 26” dredger, the BWDB often used 22” dredgers and swallowed money by submitting false bill.
TIB Deputy Executive Director Dr Sumaiya Khair was also present at the press conference.
