Syndicates mustn’t control slum utilities

It is deeply troubling that many residents of Dhaka’s informal settlements remain at the mercy of syndicates controlling basic amenities such as electricity, water, and gas, forcing low-income households to pay significantly more than they should. A recent report by this daily, based on interviews with around 50 residents of Korail, Bhashantek, and Kalyanpur Pora Basti between May and July, found that many lack the documents required for individual connections. So, they depend on shared-meter arrangements involving NGOs or other authorised intermediaries. However, syndicates, often with political backing, take unauthorised control of the meters and exploit residents.

One of the residents of Korail pays Tk 600 a month for a light and a fan, despite estimated usage costing less than Tk 450. Among the few main electricity meters that cater to around 17,000 households in Korail, many are controlled by people with political affiliation. One such person charges sub-meter users Tk 13 per unit, but he, himself pays Tk 7.47 per unit to Desco. Another informal provider, also the joint convener of BNP’s Banani Thana Mahila Dal, defended the extra charge as a service fee for maintenance and customer support. Residents of another slum under Dhaka North, Kalyanpur Pora Basti, said they get charged between Tk 15 and Tk 18 per unit of electricity.

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The situation is dire even for gas connections and water supplies. Many Korail residents pay Tk 500–600 for a single burner and Tk 1,000–1,200 for a double burner, while paying Tk 300–400 for water regardless of usage, far above Wasa’s official tariff. Meanwhile, Titas lacks the manpower to adequately monitor illegal connections, allowing syndicates to repeatedly reconnect lines and maintain their grip over supplies.  The relevant authorities at Desco, Dhaka North, Wasa, and Titas Gas are aware of the illegal connections; however, they appear to lack a plan to tackle the situation, leaving the residents highly vulnerable.

We, therefore, urge the authorities to move beyond sporadic enforcement and develop a coordinated policy to formalise utility access in informal settlements. Individual connections should be facilitated where possible, while regulated shared connections can provide an interim solution. Meanwhile, we urge the government to ensure access to basic amenities for these communities. Our most vulnerable citizens must not bear the brunt of weak governance.