ACC raids Chattogram Wasa office amid Tk3,808cr irregularity allegations in sewage project

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) raided the Chattogram Water and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) office today (20 February) following allegations of irregularities in its Tk3,808 crore sewage project.

An ACC team, led by Assistant Director Syed Mohammad Imran, inspected the project in Halishahar this morning.  

They subsequently raided the WASA office at noon to collect documents for further investigation.

The ACC is investigating several allegations, including the use of substandard materials in the project, a suspected staged fire at the WASA building in 2020 (allegedly to destroy documents), and the former MD's appointment of a relative as project director, reportedly violating nepotism rules and seniority protocols.

Speaking at a media briefing, ACC Assistant Director Syed Imran said they found cracks on the treatment plant during today's inspection.

He said the project director informed the ACC team that he was aware of the matter and claimed to be awaiting test results on sealant chemicals.  

He noted that expert analysis would be required to determine if the cracks were caused by low-quality materials or environmental factors.

The ACC official also addressed the 2020 fire, stating that they had obtained the investigation report for review.  

Regarding the nepotism allegations against former Wasa MD, he said they had requested appointment and promotion documents for scrutiny.

Chattogram WASA initiated a drainage project in 2018 to safeguard city residents from pollution. The project, titled "Establishment of Sewerage System in Chittagong Metropolitan City," was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on 7 November 2018, with an estimated cost of Tk3,808 crore. 

However, construction began nearly three years later, causing significant delays. As a result, despite two extensions, almost half of the work remains incomplete.