Wasa seeks time to understand expert report saying water not drinkable

The Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) has sought time from the High Court to examine and understand an expert report saying its water is not suitable for drinking. 

The water supplied by the Wasa contained harmful bacteria and germs, said experts in the report submitted to the High Court on Wednesday.

After that, the Wasa sought time to show the report to their experts and understand it properly, said writ petitioner Tanvir Ahmed.

Upon the Wasa's request, Justice JBM Hasan and Justice M Khairul Alam postponed the hearing till December 11. 

Assistant Attorney General Mizanur Rahman submitted the expert report to the court while Barrister AM Masum stood for the Wasa.

The report by the expert committee, formed upon a High Court order, was submitted to the attorney general's office on December 2.

The High Court in July ordered the local government and rural development secretary to form a committee comprising experts to test the Wasa water.

Later, a three-member committee comprised of M Zahirul Islam, additional secretary of the Local Government Division, Dr Sabita Rezwana Rahman, chairman of the microbiology department at the University of Dhaka, and Dr ABM Badruzzaman, professor of civil engineering department at Buet. 

The Wasa on July 31 submitted a report the High Court claiming that there was no presence of fecal coliform and e-coli in water supplied to Mirpur and Patla Khan Lane areas. 

After that, the bench of Justice JBM Hasan and Justice and Justice M Khairul Alam sought expert opinion on the matter.