A large water and sanitation project supported by the World Bank (WB) in Chittagong is now getting momentum despite some delay at the initial stage.

Chittagong Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (CWASA) have recently accelerated its efforts to initiate the Chittagong Water Supply Improvement and Sanitation Project (CWSISP) soon.

The $185.4 million project aims to increase the supply of potable water by constructing selected water production, transmission, distribution and storage facilities in the port city.

Of the total project cost, WB is providing around $170 million, while the rest will be borne by the public exchequer.

The project is also supporting the expansion of piped water supply services to under-served areas through the rehabilitation, replacement and extension of distribution pipes.

Having 3.5 million households, Chittagong suffers from inadequate water production capacity and sewerage systems.

The city’s water production capacity is only able to cater to 40 percent of the total estimated demand. Additionally, there are no water borne sewerage systems and storm water drainage services in Chittagong.

After initial delays, the project management is now in full operation, says a WB release.

CWASA is actively engaged in procuring the preparatory works for hydraulic modeling and detailed engineering design of the transmission and distribution systems, as well as the detailed engineering design for the Modunaghat Water Treatment Plant (WTP).

This will allow the project’s large infrastructure investments to be initiated and finalised, the release said.

Once completed, these are expected to increase water production as well as address the widening gaps between water demand and production in the port city.

News: Daily Sun/Bangladesh/25-Aug-12