HC stays WASA’s price hike decision till 10 Aug

The High Court on Monday issued an order, stopping Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) from collecting increased water tariff until 10 Aug, reports UNB.

WASA's 25 per cent hiked tariff has been in effect since 1 April.

Justice M Enayetur Rahim's issued the embargo after holding a virtual hearing on a writ petition.

Attorney general Mahbubey Alam and deputy attorney general Amit Talukdar represented the state while lawyer Anik R Haq and lawyer Tanvir Ahmed stood for the petitioner.

Tanvir Ahmed said WASA has been realising 25 per cent extra charges from customers since 1 April.

The High Court on Monday restricted WASA from reasiling additional tariff till 10 August.

On 15 June, Tanvir Ahmed filed a writ petition challenging WASA's decision to hike tariff without improving its services.

On 1 April, Wasa increased the 25 per cent water tariff for residential users and 8 percent for commercial users.

According to the new tariff, per thousand liters of water is being sold at Tk 14.46 which is Tk 11.57 for residential users while per thousand liters of water is being sold at Tk 40 from the existing Tk 37.4 for commercial users.