MBSWSS
Model Building for Safe Water Supply Service by Local Government Institution
Background
Eighteen years has passed since groundwater arsenic contamination was first detected in Bangladesh. Various measures to arsenic mitigation have been attempted by governmental institutions, international bodies, and non-govern mental organizations. The World Bank and the government of Bangladesh had implemented the Bangladesh, BAMWSP (World Bank & GoB project) conducted arsenic mitigation from 1998 to 2006. Jhikargachha Upazila, Jessore was selected as a pilot area in South Western Bangladesh.
UNICEF /BRAC /DPHE conducted tube well screening in 1999 and constructed many types of safe water devices. After BAMWSP, new problems occurred in Jhikargachha.
- 23% of DTW are contaminated with arsenic. Some DTWs contaminated with high iron.
- During dry season, pump lifting becomes hard.
- Access is not easy, such as far distance, too many users and frequent technical problems.
- User Committee is not functional well.
This project incorporates the lessons learned from the various approaches of the advanced Union Parishads to support the implementation of “Drinking Water Supply Service” supplying stabilized drinking water to the residents. Water device construction should be carried out as mainly through the government budget by DPHE as ever. Furthermore, Union Parishads will take responsibilities for that, 1) mapping of arsenic contamination and SWD location, 2) indicating the location of implementation of safe water supply adequately, 3) supplying sustainable drinking water through carrying out regular arsenic test and checkup/repair of the community water sources by the Union deployed technical personnel (mechanic). The drinking water supply service aiming in this project will be expected to duplicate in other Union Parishads even in arsenic free rural areas in Bangladesh.