.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
Optimism, Drinking Water, and Sanitation: A Bright Future for Bangladesh
A Commentary by Victor Perton
Optimism fuels progress, and nowhere is this more evident than in the transformative water and sanitation projects unfolding in Bangladesh. The French Development Agency (AFD) supports initiatives to provide clean drinking water and modern sanitation services to millions across Dhaka, Chittagong, and secondary cities.
The Gandharbpur Water Treatment Plant, a €177 million investment, is a beacon of optimism, set to deliver safe drinking water to 4.3 million residents of Dhaka. The project moves away from depleting underground sources by tapping into the Meghna River, ensuring a sustainable water future. AFD, alongside partners such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and Danish DANIDA, is backing the Saidabad Water Treatment Plant Phase III, securing clean water access for another 2.5 million people. This project utilises advanced water purification technology, including multi-stage filtration, activated carbon treatment, and ozonation, ensuring the removal of contaminants, bacteria, and harmful pollutants. These processes enhance water quality, making it safer and healthier for consumption.
Sanitation, often overlooked but essential, is also making progress. The recently approved Chattogram Metropolitan North Kattali Catchment Sanitation Project, supported by a €175 million sovereign concessional loan from AFD, will provide modern sanitation services to 300,000 residents by 2030. These services include the development of efficient sewerage networks, wastewater treatment plants, and improved faecal sludge management systems. These ensure hygienic waste disposal, reduce groundwater contamination, and prevent waterborne diseases, significantly improving public health and environmental conditions.
Optimism is not just a mindset—it’s a strategy for change. With strong leadership and international cooperation, these projects demonstrate how optimism, backed by action, can transform lives. What lessons from this collaboration inspire you in your work? How can we apply similar optimism-driven solutions to global challenges?
.png)
.png)
.png)
Keep up to date with the latest from Centre for Optimism
We appreciate any contribution you can make to help us spread optimism with the world
.svg)
.svg)
