In the coastal areas of Bangladesh, there is an acute shortage of potable water. Due to the limited number of groundwater reservoirs, people are mainly dependent on surface water from ponds. Natural disasters, to name a few- storms, and tidal surges are destroying surface reservoirs. In addition to this, the underground reservoirs are also getting damaged due to the intrusion of saline water. The salinity of groundwater in various parts of the southwest coast of Bangladesh is increasing day by day. Water salinity is extensive in many coastal areas. Due to the polluted and salty water of the pond, people are suffering from various water-borne diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and skin diseases. As a result of climate change, sea levels are rising and the intensity of storms, tidal surges, heavy rains, droughts, etc. is also increasing. Consequently, the drinking water crisis is intensifying. In this situation, it is crucial to provide clean drinking water in the coastal areas.
The crisis of potable water is very acute in the coastal areas of Bangladesh after SIDR and AILA. The German development agency GIZ set up 122 potable water supply plants in 18 upazilas of 6 coastal districts (Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Barguna, and Gopalganj) on an emergency basis during 2011-2015.
With the technical assistance of GIZ, CDMP set up 16 more similar plants. Sadly, most of the plants became unusable after the end of the project period due to a lack of maintenance and necessary repairs. In this situation, at the request of the locals, the Bangladesh Bondhu Foundation (BONDHU) took the initiative to repair the plants. In this context, on 14/02/2022, Bangladesh Bondhu Foundation (BONDHU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SHREDA) and the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) of the government.
According to the memorandum, BONDHU will carry out necessary repairs and maintenance of at least 123 damaged plants. BONDHU will operate these plants for 15 years and ensure the supply of potable water to the people of the area. This project is also expected to reduce carbon emissions.
The pond water will be purified through the Pond Sand Filter (PSF) and pumped to the overhead tank. The groundwater will be pumped directly into the overhead tank. Water will be supplied from overhead tanks through pipelines to the neighborhoods from where the beneficiaries of the area will collect potable water. Water will be pumped by environmentally friendly renewable solar powered pumps. As an additional precaution the water will be disinfected by UV system at the beginning of the pipeline.
Overall supply activities will be conducted in consultation with the committee comprising of local dignitaries from each plant area to ensure the participation of the beneficiaries.
Project area: Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Pirojpur and Barguna
Number of plants: 123
Bangladesh Bondhu Foundation (BONDHU) has been implementing Solar-powered Drinking Water Supply project in 5 southern districts of Bangladesh. These are- Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Pirojpur and Barguna.
Reach out us if you are committed to working for climate action and intend to bring a positive change in the environment of Bangladesh through mitigation and adaptation to climate change and want to fight environmental degradation together.
Bangladesh Bondhu Foundation (BONDHU) is a non-political, non-profit, non-government voluntary and social organization established in 2015. BBF is based on seven pillars: Honesty & Sincerity, Transparency, Humanism, Efficiency, Love for nature, Egalitarianism for all people irrespective of gender, religion, race & ethnicity, and Love for nature.