Speakers at a press conference have urged proper attention in selecting Annual Development Program (ADP) projects and the need for reducing the gap in WASH allocation across rural and hard-to-reach.
The press conference was jointly organized by WaterAid Bangladesh along with, PPRC, FANSA-BD, FSM Network, Bangladesh Water Integrity Network (BaWin), Sanitation and Water For All, End Water Poverty, MHM Platform, UNICEF and WASH Alliance International held at National Press Club in the capital on Monday.
They said, gaps need to be reduced and an equitable allocation is also solicited to achieve the SDG 6.
An analysis by the Power and Participation Research Center (PPRC), in collaboration with WaterAid, found that the WASH allocations in FY 2021-22 allocation to WASH sector was 5.44 percent (Taka 14,517 crore) in respect of total ADP allocation (Taka 266,793 crore). The figure also shows WASH allocations in hard-to-reach areas fell drastically in FY2021-22 with allocations for the areas being 72 percent below the level five years earlier to the threshold in FY2016-17.
The analysis also shows geographical inequality of WASH allocation remains significant, where cities and towns have received the highest percentage of the allocated funding compared to rural, char, hilly, and coastal areas in previous years. These under-developed areas’ needs are higher than in urban regions and the upcoming budget must consider the acute needs of the marginalized pockets.
Eminent Economist Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, WaterAid Country Director Hasin Jahan, Senior Fellow at PPRC Mohammad Abdul Wazed spoke at the proramme among other WASH specialists, journalists and development workers.
“Bangladesh had remarkable success in achieving WASH-related MDG era targets with drinking water made available to 98 percent of the population (JMP data) and near eradication of open defecation. SDG-- total era targets, however, are more challenging with the focus on safe water and safely managed sanitation as well as the under hygiene. However, inequitable spatial allocation has been repeatedly raised over the years but no change has been forthcoming, stated Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman.
During the event, Hasin Jahan, said, “Bangladesh is committed towards sustainable water management and safe sanitation services. The country has stressed the need for a bold and ambitious roadmap to put SDGs on track so that no one is left behind. So, the government should put dedicated attention to address the hard-to-reach people towards achieveing SDG 6.”
At the press conference, the following recommendations were jointly put forward for the proposed National Budget for the fiscal year 2022-2023- a change in the implementation mind-set and greater attention to selection of effective ADP projects is essential to ensure returning to on-track trajectory of SDG 6.1.1 and SDG 6.2.1, increased allocations for hard-to-reach areas and redressing intra-urban allocation inequities should be a priority, resolving governance challenge to ensure more effective utilization of WASH ADP allocations.
Speakers also recommended, the hygiene agenda is critical not only to contain the pandemic but also to the post-Covid realities of urban health, school health and women’s health, increasing and sustaining WASH access for vulnerable groups in the emerging climate hotspots, and invest in increasing sufficient amount of budget for hygiene and waste management in cities and towns.
