The government is seeking a $320 million loan from the New Development Bank (NDB) to improve Dhaka’s water supply and reduce losses. Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) aims to extend water supply coverage to 16 newly added areas and reduce system losses from 30% to under 10%.
The project’s total cost is estimated at $380 million, with 85% to be funded by external sources, and the rest by the government and Dhaka Wasa. The NDB conducted an appraisal mission in September. Dhaka Wasa faces challenges due to water network leakage, illegal connections, and pilferage. To meet demand, it plans to establish five water treatment plants and construct a water supply network for the Padma Northwest Sector, along with hydraulically isolated areas for improved efficiency.