MBSWSS
Model Building for Safe Water Supply Service by Local Government Institution
Safe water supply plan based on GIS map
Union computer operators of Jhikargachha, Magura, Panisara, and Shankarpur Unions, Jhikargachha Upazilla, Jessore obtained training on GIS map making from Japanese expert Pr.Tsuji. They preapared arsenic contamination map and safe water device location map and showed them to Union Parishad members at workshop. Depend on these maps Union Parishad made a safe water supply plan on 14th November in Jhikargachha Union and 20th November in Magura Union. Members were very happy and said, "Now I can clearly understand the situation of safe water supply in my ward". This is the first practise for Union Parishad to make a safe water supply plan in Bangladesh.
Project is repairing the problematic option
Beside new device installation, restoration of inactive device and repair of problematic device is another principle of the Project. There was a Tara pump which users complained to collect little water after pushing and pulling handle many times in Shreerampur village of Jhikargachha Union. The Project staff found some problems and repaired them, and converted a Tara pump to modified pump (moon pump) on 14th October. The problem seemed to be solved. But another problem arouse that the water was containing some small particles. The project staff collected water from the deep tube well, checked in environmental laboratory of Arsenic Centre and confirmed the particles iron. To solve the problem, the water supply engineer of the Project decided to wash 600ft pipe by using pond water on 21st November. After washing, the water still contained a little sand. The water supply engineer Mr. Joynul opined, “If the villagers don't pump the tubewell for one night, sand will sink on the bottom of the tube well”. On 26th November he visited the site and talked with the villagers. They were very happy to get plenty of water without turbidity from restored device. Now around 50 households are using this safe and clean water for drinking and cooking purpose.
Pani Paridarshak’s meeting arranged in Upazila project office
On 29th November, 2012 a meeting arranged in Jhikargachha Upazilla Project office in the presence of Pani Paridarshaks. The content of the meeting was the advertisement of the existence of Pani Paridarshak to the villagers. The objective of MBSWSS project is to build up a model for water supply by Local Government in Bangladesh. People are still suffering from technical and management problems of SWDs to get safe drinking water. Under the project Union Parishad already recruited Pani Paridarshak in Jhikargachha, Magura, Panisara and Shankarpur Unions. They continue check the water quality (Arsenic contamination), provide water quality certificate, conduct small repair, monitor the option regularly and other water option related activities in their own Union. They reach at the door of the villagers, when they are suffering from water option difficulties. For their active involvement Jhikargachha project office arranges a meeting with Pani Paridarshaks in every month. On their last meeting, they proposed for a banner to display inside Union Parishad and the visiting card to introduce the activities of Pani Paridarshak to the villagers.
New DTW Construction by UP's LGSP fund according to the safe water supply plan
A new Deep Tubewell (Moon Pump) is installed in
Jhikargachha Union, Padmapukuria Village, Paschim Para
by Union Parishad at 24th July, 2013 . Union Parishad
selects this site according to safe water supply plan and
construction cost has come from LGSP fund. MB-SWSS project
provides all technical support to install this Deep Tubwell.
Project handover Pani Paridarshak (PP) to Union Parishad
MB-SWSS Project handover Pani Paridarshak (PP) (water inspector) to Union Parishad: MB-SWSS project has already passed 01 year and 08 months. Project arranged PP handover program at Jhikargachha Union and Shankarpur Unionon on 24th and 30th July, 2013 respectively. Union Parishad Chairman and Secretary received all PP's document from Project Manager. Project staffs (PM, WSE, UC, FC & FF) were present at this PP handover ceremony.
New AIRP in Motbari Para, Gadkhali Union
Villagers of Motbari Para, Gadkhali village, Gadkhali Union had to struggle to collect safe drinking water because in their area no safe water device was available. Generally, they were collecting water from another Para (about 700 meters far from their house). For that reason they applied to Union Parishad for a new safe water device. After approve (based on UP priority list) the application, users collect Tk.7000 as 10% user share for installing new safe water device (AIRP). AIRP construction started on 29th July, 2013 and completed on 8th August, 2013. Total 31 users are taking water from this option for drinking and cooking. Now users are very happy because they are getting Arsenic & Iron free water very easily as their desire.
Deep Tubewell's big repair in Sagarpur, Jhikargachha Union
Villagers of Daskhin Para, Sagarpur village, Jhikargachha Union were using a Deep Tubewell for safe drinking water. But the performance of this Deep Tubewell was not satisfactory. This option produced irritating sound during water extraction. Water discharge was not sufficient and difficult to press the tube well handle. For that reason, users wanted to solve these problems by changing tubewell hand pump and head (Change Dev Head Tara to 6 no. Hand Pump instead). Users collected Tk.2000 as user share and deposited this money to Pani Paridarshak (water inspector) for repairing their option on 15th August, 2013 under Jhikargachha Union Parishad.
Repair started on 20th August, 2013 and completed on 22nd August, 2013. Pani Paridarshak nicely completed set up the moon pump and 6 no. hand pump. Now users are very happy and they are taking water from this Deep Tubewell for drinking & cooking purpose.
Project's site visit by JCC (Joint Coordination Committee) members
JCC members (Joint Secretary, Deputy Commissioner, Deputy Secretary, Superintending Engineer, Executive Engineer, UNO, JICA Representative, Project Manager & Team Leader) visited MBSWSS project area on 28th September, 2013 to observe project activities.
Field 1 (Kaemkola village, Magura Union): On that day the visiting team started to Purba Para,Kaemkolavillage, Magura Unionfrom Jessore airportat 9.30 am. Here they observed the AIRP (Arsenic Iron Removal Plant) which was constructed by the project. The project showed them some new technology, PaniParidarshak’s (water inspector) activity and user’s responsibility. At first a Water Supply Engineer (WSE) explained about the filtration system of AIRP. He also mentioned that Jhikargachha Upazila faces sever difficulties to extract little groundwater in dry season due to water table down. To overcome this problem,the project introduced the new technology of AIRP with Moon pump. Joint Secretary of LGD observed the filtration system and compared water quality of filtered water with raw water. He was very happy that the taste of filtrated water liked as mineral water. He also said that this type of SWD is very nice not only for arsenic removal but also for iron removal. He appreciated this technology. Then PaniParidarshak explained about the regular maintenance of AIRP. Every 5or 7 days interval, he visited this site, opened the gate valve and washed out the arsenic and iron contaminated water. He also explained another maintenance such as sand and gravel wash. At last the team discussed with users. Users said that they are very happy to get this SWD. They also mentioned that they pay 10taka/HH/month as monthly service charge for PaniParidarshak. Users brought a tube well model bank and they said it is very helpful to deposit money for payment of monthly service charge.
Field 2 (Monoharpur village, Magura Union):The team visited Monoharpur village, Magura Union and observeda deep tube well (DTW) with Apon pump. WSE explained that the project introducedApon pump to overcome the dry season problem for existing DTW. How did PaniParidarshak change the pipe and set Apon pump on existing DTW, he also explained. Users told that this DTW was inactive for two monthsin dry season of last year, but after renovation they got relief from the problem. Now users can collect plenty of water whole the year. All members were very happy to see this renovation.
Field 3 (Magura Union Parishad): The team visited Magura Union Parishad for observing the PaniParidarshakroom andUnion E-service center. At first Joint Secretary discussed with PaniParidarshak about his activity in his room. PaniParidarshak explained his daily activity in detail. He also showed the water quality test to use field kit and arsenator (digital machine). Team Leader told the necessity of water quality test and showed the map which was hanging on board in PaniParidarshak room. Joint Secretary’s recommendation was need to regular update of this map. Then the team went to Union computer operator room. Computer operator explained how he made arsenic contamination map and SWD location map. He also showed the system to update map.
Field 4 (Padmapukuria village, Jhikargachha Union): The team visitedthe site of DTW with Moon pump which was installed by Union Parishad based on the safe water supply plan. Jhikargachha Union parishad used LGSP fundfor this DTW. At the visiting time Jhikargachha Union Chairman was also present. He explained how Union Parishad installed this DTW with support from the project. Chairman said he is very happy to observe villagers collect safe water from this DTW. Next year he will try to be allocated more SWDsinJhikargachhaUnion. Joint Secretary appreciated theChairman to utilize LGSP fund for water supply.
4 Union Chairmen of Jhikargachha Upazila, Jessore attend HLP workshop to disseminate their safe water supply service related good practices
“Preparatory Thematic Workshop on WatSan” organized by World Bank was held on 17th and 18th September 2013 at Human Resource & Training Centre(Proshikha),Kaitta,ManikganjUpazila under Manikganj District. World Bank invited 04 Union chairmen of Jhikargachha Upazila among 64 Union chairmen who want to disseminate their good practices in whole Bangladesh. Three Union Chairmen, one Union computer operator, one PaniParidarshak, Project Manager, Water Supply Engineer and Upazila Coordinator from our project (MB-SWSS)attended this workshop.
Moderator, Mr.Santanu Lahiri, Senior Decentralization Specialist, WSP, World Bank made four groups by the participants of Union chairman, Panel chairman, Pourashava Mayor without the person of support organization. Each group wrote their good practices on brown paper. After voting 02 good practices were selected from each group with discussion.
Mr.Liakot Ali, chairman of Nirbaskhola Union explained his good practices. He explained that how they prepared the Arsenic Contamination and Safe Water Device (SWD) location map. Union chairman and members prepared the Safe Water Supply plan and made a priority list using the arsenic contamination and SWD location map. Also he said that based on the Safe Water Supply plan, his Union Parishad installed one new deep tube well (DTW) for villagers through LGSP fund. At that time one questionwas rose by another Union chairman that how many percentage of LGSP fund can be used for safe water supply. World Bank representative answered the question that if ward committee takes decision for spending 100 percent of LGSP fund for safe water supply,Union Parishad can spend this money.Mr. KorshedAlom, chairman of Jhikargachha Union explained his good practices. He explained how to use the arsenic contamination and SWD location map, how to prepare Safe Water Supply Plan, how to supply safe water to villagers byUnion Parishad own fund. He also explained the system of monthly service charge collection and how to sustain PaniParidarshak system. He explained his future plan for sustainingPaniParidarshak and also said that if collection money is not available for PaniParidarshak, he will allocate the rest amount from Union Parishad own fund.
Mr.KhondakarMofizur Rahman, computer operator of Ganganandapur Union explained how to collect data and preparearsenic contamination and SWD location map to utilize these data. He showed GanganandapurUnion’sarsenic contamination and SWD location map to participantsand also explained advantages of this map.
Participants highly appreciated the PaniParidarshak system of our project. Mr.Liakot Ali, chairman of Nirbaskhola Union heartily invited other Union chairmen for visiting Jhikargachha Upazila to observe the PaniParidarshak system.Unfortunately 48 hour hartal was declared by Jamaat-e-Islamiin the afternoon on 17thOctober, the first day of workshop. If we could not arrive at Jessore before 6:00AM on 18th, it became difficult to move by vehicle till 6:00AM on 20th. Three Union chairmen of Jhikargachha Upazila decided to come back Jessore from Kaitta, Manikganj District soon after taking dinner of17thevening. We left the Training Center at 9:00PM and arrived at each home till 3:00AM on 18th. Therefore we unwillingly did not attend the second day’s workshop.
Upazila Development Coordination Committee Meeting
Upazila Coordination Committee Meeting was held on 24th October 2013 at 12:30 pm at upazila Parishad conference room. Total 37 participants were present in this meeting. The meeting was chaired by Upazila Vice Chairman in absence of Upazila Chairman.
Project Manager of MB-SWSS project delivered his welcome speech and he briefly discussed about project objectives and outcomes. He requested to all chairman for follow the map for allocating SWDs. After that Mr.Maruf, AIA, MB-SWSS project showed the Arsenic contamination and SWD location map of Ganganandapur union as an example. He also showed that Safe Water Supply Plan which was prepared by Ganganandapur union members and Chairman together. AIA briefly discussed how to make Arsenic Contamination and Safe Water Device location map, how to prepare Safe Water Supply Plan by Union Parishad and also discussed which criteria they considered for preparing the Priority list of SWSP at Union level. After showing the map audience clearly understood the system and they highly appreciated this system.
Open discussion session some questions raised from the house then Water Supply Engineer and Team Leader answered their questions. Upazila Nirbahi Officer requested to all chairmen that when they will get SWD allocation then they will site selection for installing the option as per their SWSP which was prepared by every union parishad under Jhikargachha parishad. He said if we follow the SWSP then easily the hole upazila will be covered by Safe Water Supply within short time and upazila administration will take initiative for follow the priority list of SWSP from the next year allocation. He gave thanks to AAN for showing the nice presentation and also thanks to all for cordial participation in this session.
Jhikargachha Upazila Parishad decide to follow the safe water supply plan
Upazila Coordination Committee Meeting was held on 21st November 2013. UNO thanked to all for participating in this coordination meeting. Assistant Engineer of DPHE informed to all participants that 20 nos. DTW and 20 nos. DTW (Tara) allocated for Jhikargachha upazila under 2013-2014 financial year. After that UNO informed to all UP chairman that primarily each union will get three options. Previously 8 nos. unions already prepared Arsenic contamination and Safe Water Device location map supported by Asia Arsenic Network and also prepared the priority list for installing SWD. DPHE submitted one priority list which made from the union priority list. UNO instructed to DPHE for submitting the list from UP Chairmen by taking their approval.
UNO also requested to all UP Chairmen for selecting site by follow the arsenic contamination and SWD location map. At first they will select three sites. Nabharan, Shimulia and Bankra union Arsenic contamination and SWD location map not yet prepared. So they will select the site after preparing the map. The remaining allocation will be distributed after discussing with upazila chairman & MP and UNO will discuss with the mentioned persons regarding this issue.
New safe water device (AIRP) construction in Ganganandapur Union
Villagers of Dafader Para in Shreechandrapur village, Ganganandapur Union were facing scarcity of safe drinking water because most of the private tubewell of this Para are arsenic contaminated. One Arsenic Iron Removal Plant (AIRP) is constructed in this Para to solve this problem. After completing AIRP construction, villagers will get arsenic and iron free safe drinking water. Now villagers are very happy & excited and waiting to get safe water from AIRP.
Award for safe water user in Jhikargachha Upazila
Best performance award ceremony program was held on 30th January 2014 at Jhikargachha Union Parishad complex. There were 73 participants attained in this ceremony. UP chairman, Secretary, 4 UP members, Pani Paridarshak, SAE of DPHE, Jhikargachha Upazila, 69 persons from user committee and MB-SWSS project staffs were present in this program. The program inaugurated by UP chairman Mr.Khorshed Alom. Project Manager of MB-SWSSP delivered his welcome speech and briefly discussed the project system. After that Team Leader of MB-SWSS project discussed about the objectives of this program and Water Supply Engineer explained on the importance and maintenance of Safe Water Devices. SAE, DPHE described the site selection criteria, importance of Safe Water Supply Plan to audience. He highly appreciated the Pani Paridarshak (PP) system. User Committee members delivered their impression on PP system to audience. They are very happy to receive this system. Users explained about the facilities that they are getting from PP. They said that their Safe Water Device is running well because of PP's monitoring. After that UP chairman informed to audiences that how to continue & sustain the PP system in his union after terminating the project. UP chairman announced the name of the the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place user committee among 32 user committees and distributed the prizes among first, second, third places User Committee. At last UP chairman thanked to all for participating in this award ceremony and ended the program.
Mr. Mikio HATAEDA, Chief Representative, JICA visited MBSWSS
Last month (18th June 2014) Mr. Mikio HATAEDA, Chief Representative, JICA visited Jhikargachha Upazila to observe ‘Model building for safe water supply service by local government institution (Union Parishad)’ project. At first he went Jhikargachha Union Parishad and talked with Chairman. Jhikargachha Union Chairman explained the Pani Paridarshak system and existing water supply situation of his Union and Mr. Mikio HATAEDA appreciated Union Chairman for his nice cooperation to establish Pani Paridarshak system. Then he visited Pani Paridarshak’s office room and observed water quality test by Pani Paridarshak and he talked with Pani Paridarshak. After that Mr. Mikio HATAEDA went Laxmipur village in Jhikargachha Union to observe safe water device (AIRP). At that place he observed AIRP and talked with users. Users said that they are very satisfied on this AIRP because its water quality is very good. Mr. Mikio HATAEDA asked to users that, is monthly service charge reasonable or not? Users said that monthly service charge is very reasonable for them and they also said that they are getting more service from Pani Paridarshak by paying only 10 tk. per month.
Nepal Team Visited at MBSWSS project area
Nepal team visited MB-SWSS project activities in Jhikargachha Upazila on 27th August 2014. At first they visited DTW (Moon) which is installed by Jhikargachha Union Parishad using LGSP. The team observed the DTW (Moon) system and asked some questions on this system. WSE of MB-SWSS project explained the advantages of this option to the visitors. Visitors asked some questions to Pani Paridarshak (PP) and users about the Moon pump. PP and users answered the questions to visitors. Next the team visited Jhikargachha Union Parishad. Union Chairman Mr.Khorshed Alom briefly discussed about Pani Paridarshak system, Union Parishad role for establishing this system, union budget etc. Then the team observed PP room. They observed which type of document maintain PP Money collection system, Arsenic test kit, Water Quality test certificate, Leaflet, Poster, festoon, tools etc. They observed PPs service such as TW painting Kaemkola Daskhin Para DTW, Water Quality Test by PP at Ganganandapur college para and AIRP at the same place under Ganganandapur union. They discussed with users about this option and also observed Monthly Service Charge collection register. Next the team visited Jhikargachha Upazila Parishad and discussed with UNO about this system. The Team Leader of this team delivered his impression about PP system that, this system is very nice and they will try to implement this system in Nepal and he gave thanks to UNO for this system.