Study dissemination event on introducing area-based water tariff for Dhaka WASA held with aims to provide equitable tariff system for consumers
Dhaka WASA in collaboration with WaterAid has organised a technical study dissemination on introducing area-based water tariff for Dhaka WASA. The aim of the event was to explore opportunities, challenges, and solutions in bringing equitable tariff system as an innovative way to enhance responsible water usage and to cater all tiers of consumers.
The technical study is inspired by Bangladesh government aspirations towards an equitable tariff distribution for all income groups. In light to this, Dhaka WASA is planning to cross subsidise lower income groups along with proposition to reduce Government subsidy. Speakers at the event believe this initiative will be a benchmark towards more consumer-friendly approach.
Read and download the brief on the technical study presented study: DOWNLOAD
The introduction of this technical study on area-based tariff for DWASA is founded on key aspects to ensure a people-centric approach and cater to all tiers of clientele from all income groups. The speakers in the technical dissemination event highlighted, that water is highly subsidized in Dhaka, and the benefit of this subsidy is often enjoyed by higher income households. In contrast, to lower tier income group who pay the same price of water tariff as their rich counterparts. The goal of this technical study is to understand how to provide a more just tariff for all sections of the consumers while promoting reasonable water usage and unburden lower and lower-middle income consumers. The areas-based water tariff is believed to bring fair and equitable tariff system, in line to income thresholds, while it will help cost-recovery for Dhaka WASA.
The study presenters have shared, that the methodology used to develop this area-based tariff model is a mathematical model based on data sources and accounts from DWASA and government endorsed available data. Speakers further stressed, that to go for traditional progressive tariff model for Dhaka WASA may not be fruitful in the long run and may fail to cater to the complicated connection system existing for Dhaka WASA consumers.
Participants in the event believed this will be a benchmark towards more consumer-friendly initiative, if it is implemented by Government at large scale. Dhaka WASA will further this work with different stakeholders with detailed implementation plan and with assessment on system adjustment across its consumer base.
Mr. Md Tazul Islam, MP, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives graced the event as Chief Guest. Mr. Mohammed Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury, Secretary, Local Government Division, Eng Dr Gholam Mostafa, Chairman, DWASA and Ms. Hasin Jahan, Country Director, WaterAid was present as special guests.
The event was chaired by Engr. Taqsem A Khan, Managing Director, Dhaka WASA.
Md Tahmidul Islam, Technical Adviser, WaterAid presented the study and Dr Feroze Ahmed, Emeritus Professor Stamford University reflected on the findings of the study at the event.
Dhaka WASA and WaterAid also signed Memorandum of Understanding to Strategic Collaboration towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goal 6.
Jointly organized by Dhaka WASA and WaterAid the event was participated by over 200 participants from different sectors.
