Rajshahi Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (RWASA) is on track to achieve a 100% drinkable water supply for all residents of Rajshahi City and its surrounding municipalities by 2027. This significant project aims to ensure high water quality and bridge the existing water supply gap.
The ambitious initiative, worth Taka 4,062 crore, involves setting up a state-of-the-art water treatment plant in Sarangpur, located near the Padma River, approximately 26 kilometers from Rajshahi city. Hunan Construction Engineering Group, a Chinese company, is responsible for the project’s execution, with 20% of the scheduled works already completed.
Upon completion, the project will supply 200 million liters of purified water daily to the residents of Rajshahi city and the adjacent municipalities of Naohata and Katakhali. RWASA Chief Engineer Parvez Mamud outlined that the project includes constructing 53 kilometers of main pipelines, 48 kilometers of primary and secondary distribution pipelines, a conventional water treatment plant, treated water transmission mains, booster pump stations, and an intake facility.
Currently, Rajshahi’s daily water demand stands at around 130 million liters per day (MLD), met through 98.037 MLD extracted from underground sources and 9 MLD from surface water, totaling 107.04 MLD. The city receives 10.70 crore liters of water daily, benefiting over 644,000 people through 110 production pumps and an 859-kilometer pipeline network.
Chief Engineer Mamud emphasized that the project will significantly reduce reliance on underground water by enhancing the surface water supply. In addition, another project, “Water Supply System Rehabilitation in Rajshahi City Project,” is underway to improve the standard of living by providing safe water in the interim period.
RWASA Managing Director Zakir Hossain highlighted that the Sarangpur site was chosen for its reliable year-round water availability, confirmed by a feasibility study conducted by the Institute of Water Modelling (IWM). He assured that there would be no water deficit once the project is completed, with excess supply extending to the adjacent pourashavas.
Hossain also stressed RWASA’s commitment to maintaining integrity in service delivery, particularly water supply. He noted the necessity of increasing water tariffs to balance earnings and expenditures, aiming for RWASA’s self-sufficiency. Last year, RWASA earned Taka 15.32 crore against an expenditure of Taka 20.67 crore.
Hossain urged city dwellers to cooperate with RWASA to ensure the success of the water supply system, highlighting the crucial role of public participation in achieving a sustainable and smart water management system.
