In response to the criticism, Chattogram WASA managing director AKM Fazlullah defended the decision, saying that they were purchasing digital meters given the vulnerability of mechanical meters.
Why were digital meters not purchased earlier? In response, he cited the constantly changing reality of meter management around the world. He also pointed out that customers do not have the ability to purchase expensive digital meters. Since their purchasing power has increased now, officials are now moving towards digital meters.
However, Rashidul Hasan, dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Planning at CUET, criticized the lack of proper planning in meter procurement. Speaking to Prothom Alo, he said that if digital meters had been purchased in the first phase, such a huge wastage could have been avoided.
In the present reality, the authorities should make a definite plan on how digital meters will be installed. He said that besides this, they should also not replace the mechanical meters which are currently running fully.