Water

Commemorating World Water Day
Exploring New Approaches to Speed Up Implementation of Water Supply and Sanitation Projects

ADB has been asked by the Government of Bangladesh to take over the development assistance for Dhaka water supply and sanitation from the World Bank. This is a great opportunity but at the same time an enormous challenge. There is low piped water coverage, low cost recovery, intermittent supply, water source problems, and low morale of staff.

ADB needs to have a very clear plan for involvement and adequate resource available in a timely manner. Likewise, ADB needs to incorporate in future decisions the lessons learned from previous assistance to Bangladesh. For instance, in the review of the Dhaka Urban Infrastructure Project, ADB recognized the following:

• The need to review institutional alternatives before implementing urban improvement projects;
• The need to harness community participation to ensure proper O & M of facilities and services delivered by projects;
• The integrated approach to urban infrastructure development is not appropriate for urban areas within megacities.

With this in mind, ADB is organizing a seminar to determine how ADB could respond effectively to the needs of Bangladesh.

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The seminar will enable the speakers and participants to

• Discuss possible ADB actions to help Bangladesh improve its water and sanitation situation.
• Discuss new approaches to fast track the implementation of water projects.

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	Film: Breaking Barriers The seminar will start with a presentation and discussion of a video documentary focusing on the water supply and sanitation situation in Dhaka, Bangaldesh. The documentary, Breaking Barriers, is part of ADB's Water Voices Documentary Series.
	Presentation and Discussion: Bangladesh's water supply and sanitation needs Dr. Khondaker Azharul Haq, former Managing Director of Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority, will share his experiences and suggestions on how ADB could respond to the Government's request for ADB assistance and how ADB could implement water supply projects more expeditiously.
	Presentation and Discussion: New approach to improving water supply services ADB Consultant Mr. Arthur McIntosh will discuss the proposed zonal approach to upgrading water supply service, which ADB is considering to apply in Dhaka as a way of fast-tracking interventions. The zonal approach involves the development and management of urban water supply by concentrating a lot of resources and effort on just one hydraulically isolated zone of the distribution system.

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• Curriculum Vitae: Dr. Khondaker Azharul Haq
• Water Champion: Khondaker Azharul Haq on Overcoming the water supply and sanitation constraints of Bangladesh
• Dhaka Urban Infrastructure Project [PDF]
• Secondary Towns Water Supply and Sanitation
• Water Voices Video Documentary-- Breaking Barriers