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The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) on Sunday lambasted the Dhaka WASA for its announcement to raise water prices further by 10 per cent from the next financial year.
The city water supply and sewerage authority has announced to raise the price of water for households to Tk 16.78 per unit (1000 litre), which is now Tk 15.18 and industrial water to Tk 46.20 from Tk 42 now.
Terming it as unfair and unreasonable, CAB strongly protested this decision, which further could batter consumers, a CAB press release said.
The consumer rights body believes that there is no need to increase the price of water if the government can prevent corruption, wastage and misappropriation in the WASA.
CAB observed that the escalating prices of commodities and inflation are placing significant financial strain on people's lives, causing widespread suffering.
Recent hikes in electricity, fuel, and now water prices, justified under the guise of price adjustments, exacerbate this burden, according to the release.
Dhaka WASA's decision to raise water rates adds to the financial woes of the populace, perpetuating a cycle of predatory spending and profit-making under the veil of government subsidies.
Previously, the High Court, responding to a writ petition by CAB, rightfully questioned the legality of altering water prices without proper regulations in place. Thus, the unilateral increase in water rates by Dhaka WASA is deemed unjust and unreasonable.
CAB vehemently opposes this move and demands its immediate reversal, read the release.
The rights body urges Dhaka WASA to reconsider its decision, recognising the adverse impact on citizens already struggling with the soaring costs of essentials amidst sweltering conditions.
It is imperative for the public interest that Dhaka WASA rescinds this unjustified price hike, the release added.