Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Dhaka WASA) was established in 1963 under the East Pakistan Ordinance XIX as an independent autonomous organization responsible for water supply, sewerage, and drainage services in Dhaka. Its history connects to earlier initiatives dating back to 1874 when Nawab Khawaja Abdul Ghani established a water treatment plant at Chadnighat, starting formal water supply efforts in the city. During British rule, Dhaka grew from 10 sq km to over 22 sq km, with gradual infrastructure development.
After the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, Dhaka experienced rapid urban population growth, creating increasing demand for water, sanitation, and drainage services. Dhaka WASA expanded its coverage area, taking over drainage services in 1989 and later incorporating Narayanganj’s water and sewerage services in 1990. To better meet growing needs, the Dhaka WASA Act of 1996 reorganized the authority into a semi-autonomous corporate body governed by a 13-member board under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives.
Today, Dhaka WASA operates through 11 geographical zones serving over 12.5 million people across Dhaka and Narayanganj. The organizational structure includes four main wings: Administration, Finance, Operation & Maintenance, and Research, Planning & Development, led by a Managing Director and supported by Deputy Managing Directors. Over the years, Dhaka WASA has continuously upgraded its infrastructure and operational capacity, launched turnaround programs focusing on transparency and efficiency, and enhanced customer service. Despite challenges posed by rapid urbanization and infrastructure needs, Dhaka WASA remains committed to providing safe drinking water, effective sewerage, and stormwater drainage to the city’s residents.