Around 12 percent of the country's population are now facing the risk of getting exposed to arsenic contaminations, LGRD Minister Khandker Mosharraf Hossain told parliament yesterday.

Replying to lawmakers' queries, the  minister said in 29 percent of tube-wells of the country, arsenic concentration was found to be exceeding the acceptable level (above 50 parts per billion-ppb). In a scripted answer, he said arsenic test was conducted in 50 lakh tube-wells in 271 upazilas in 2003. Of these, 14.5 lakh tube-wells (29 percent of 50 lakh) were found extremely affected (above 50 ppb), he added. "But now, 12 percent of people face the risk of arsenic contamination after the government implemented various measures."

Besides, a project titled "Arsenic Risk Reduction Project for Water Supply" involving some Tk 1,865 crore is now awaiting approval, he said.

PUBLIC TOILETS IN DHAKA

In reply to another query, the minister said there were 53 public toilets in Dhaka South City Corporation. There are also toilet facilities in 57 out of 59 petrol pumps and CNG stations in the city corporation, he said.

WaterAid signed a memorandum of understanding to set up 15 modern toilets in the DSCC area, said Mosharraf.