Water supply to the area had been steady in winter, but the crisis resurfaced in mid-February.

"Because of low use of water in winter, we got uninterrupted supply," said a resident of Sultanganj. But as the hot days came water problem arose.

Residents said this crisis had been going on for over a year and the Water and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) installed new water pipes in the area, promising better supply.

"Wasa assured us that the new pipes with larger diameter will supply a bigger volume of water," said Abbas Chowdhury, a Rayerbazar resident.

But the disappointment came when the new pipes could not provide even one-third the previous volume.

"One has to be lucky enough to get a few litres of water at around three in the morning," said a resident of Sultanganj. "The rest of the day, we remain dry."

"Houses that are built on high elevations do not get sufficient water because we cannot increase water pressure in the pipeline," said Rafiqul Islam, executive engineer, Wasa, Zone 3.

However, residents allege that the problem could have been solved if Wasa officials checked on the problem-prone areas from time to time.

"Wasa officials promised to visit the affected areas and listen to our woes but they don't do it," said Chowdhury. Wasa denied the allegation.

Recently, some outraged locals vandalised the pump house at Rayerbazar. The damaged facilities also shrunk water supply to a vast swath of area.

Residents demand installation of another water pump in the area. Wasa officials said the existing pumps are being repaired, but uninterrupted electricity supply to the pump house in Madhubazar that supplies water to the entire area is required to ensure steady water supply.

"This pump house is operated with the aid of a generator and lacks proper power supply," said Engineer Rafiq.

In the face of acute crisis, residents have been buying water from Wasa supplied by water lorries. Others use tubewells.

The poor are in special difficulties and literally have to beg for water from the 'well-to-do' residents.

Locals no revile at the comment of a senior official of Wasa, Zone 3: "I am hopeful that we will be able to solve this problem within the next three months."