DPHE lab's role a must for safe water

The central laboratory of Department of Public Heath Engineering (DPHE) must play a significant role in achieving the government's target to ensure safe drinking water for all by 2013, said speakers at a seminar yesterday.
Water quality monitoring identifies problems and provides remedies. Failure to take analysis findings-based timely and remedial actions would make ensuring safe water supply almost impossible, they added.
The seminar on the project, “Strengthening capacity for water quality analysis and monitoring system in Bangladesh”, was organised by DPHE and Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) in the city's Ruposhi Bangla Hotel.
In water quality analysis, the laboratory and 11 zonal ones can now adhere to 22 quality parameters including arsenic contamination detection, said the speakers.
Currently analysing samples from DPHE-built water sources, the laboratories would soon extend services throughout the country including the pourasavas, they said.
Joint Secretary of Local Government Division Zuena Aziz, addressing as the chief guest, said they want more of Jica assistance to ensure safe drinking water in the country.
DPHE Chief Engineer Md Nururzaman said the once rampant deaths from cholera and diarrhea is reducing due to assistance from DPHE, Unicef and other organisations in providing safe drinking water.