Dhaka, Bangladesh - As temperatures rise and the demand for water surges, Dhaka residents are grappling with a recurring water shortage, particularly exacerbated during the end of winter and into April and May. This year, malfunctioning deep tubewells have worsened the situation, particularly affecting fasting residents during Ramadan.

While Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) has initiated measures to address the crisis, some areas, including Jurain, Malibagh, and Gulbagh, continue to face water scarcity. Despite residents' complaints, Wasa officials refute allegations of water shortage, terming them baseless and assuring prompt resolution of any issues.

Apart from the shortage, Wasa faces criticism for supplying substandard water and considering a price hike. Allegations of supplying bad-smelling water have intensified, with residents expressing discontent over the quality of water provided. Additionally, Wasa has faced public outcry for its frequent price hikes over the past decade.

Reports of water scarcity emerged at the onset of Ramadan in several areas, prompting concerns among residents. Wasa officials attribute these shortages to technical glitches and assure timely repairs to address the situation.

Mohammad Nazrul Islam, an executive engineer at Dhaka Wasa Mods Zone-II, assured residents that the malfunctioning tubewells in Lalbagh have been repaired, resolving the water scarcity issue. Similarly, the damaged pump in Shewrapara has been fixed, ensuring adequate water supply.

Despite Wasa's efforts to mitigate the crisis, residents like Anwar Hossain from Jurain express frustration over persistent water shortages and poor water quality. Complaints have been lodged with local Wasa offices, yet satisfactory solutions remain elusive.

While Wasa officials acknowledge occasional water shortages in certain areas, they reassure residents of prompt resolution and urge them to report issues for swift action. However, concerns linger over Wasa's reliance on underground water sources, with efforts to increase surface water production falling short of targets.

Amid ongoing challenges, Wasa emphasizes its commitment to meeting the water demand in Dhaka, underscoring the need for collective efforts to ensure uninterrupted water supply for residents.