WATER crisis is the last thing Dhaka's people would expect in the midst of Ramadan, although the city has a history of frequently-interrupted water supply. Every summer, people face the agonising shortage of fresh drinking water in some neighbourhoods - with oft-repeated excuses from the authorities. However, water scarcity can be extremely inconvenient during Ramadan. Â Â
Besides, this is arguably the hottest season and residents of Dhaka are already irritated by excessive traffic jams. A desire to fast out of religious obligations is likely to be shattered if water shortage becomes frequent - especially at the times of Sehri and Iftar. Despite numerous steps being taken in the past to reduce occasional water shortages, the residents of Rayer Bazar are having a difficult time. Recently, WASA introduced a 24-hour hotline for city-dwellers to file complaints regarding problems with water supply but the authority is yet to bring a long-term solution.
Since Dhaka lacks an effective strategy or the means to permanently stop its water problems, an early warning system based on emergency directives to guide citizens during the crises can be adopted and maintained annually. Furthermore, the government should ensure maximum level of water supply at least for the month of Ramadan. Apart from public health, water is everyone's fundamental right and hence nobody should be deprived of it.
Shuman Rahman
Rayer Bazar, Dhaka
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Reducing Dhaka\'s water crisis
FE Team | Published: June 08, 2017 20:17:20 | Updated: October 24, 2017 13:09:42
Reducing Dhaka\'s water crisis
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