Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– The state-run Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has decided to increase the water tariff by five percent from August 1 this year.

The new tariff is BDT 6.66 for 1000 liters of water (1 unit), officials said.

The WASA board has the authority to raise the traffic by five percent every year in line with its Act 1996, an official said, adding that the authorities increase the tariff each year for adjustment of their expenditure.

This is the fourth time WASA increased the tariff since the present government assumed office.

In 2009, WASA charged BDT 5.57 per unit which was raised last year to BDT 6.04 in the first phase and BDT 6.34 in the second phase.

They said WASA is currently supplying 2.10 billion liters of water daily against the demand for 2.25 billion liters. Of the supply water, 90 percent comes from 587 deep tube wells while 10 percent from four water treatment plants.

BBN/SSR/AD-25July11-10:31 am (BST)