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Editorial

Collaboration needed between water and sanitation sector

Billion dollar projects in the pipeline


Bangladeshpost
Published : 28 Feb 2020 08:34 PM | Updated : 05 Sep 2020 12:08 PM

According to experts, water and sanitation sectors need to collaborate in order to reach the target of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Both the public and private sector will need to work together in order to improve the water and sanitation sectors. 

The government needs to allocate further funding and ensure uniform distribution of resources to all regions in order to improve “water, sanitation and hygiene” or WASH. Universal, affordable and sustainable access to WASH is a key public health issue within international development and is the focus of Sustainable Development Goal 6.

According WHO estimates, nearly 60% of the population lacks access to safe drinking water. This means that a majority of the population is exposed to the risk of water-borne diseases. Moreover, seasonal changes in the country also lead to fluctuations in the availability of water. The infrastructure of the country is needs further development in order to address this issue. 


Undoubtedly, access to clean and 

safe water supply is a key element

 in improving the quality life


Currently, there is a lack of coordination among the public and private sectors, as well as across various regions of the country. There are many ongoing projects to improve the WASH sector of the country including a one-billion-dollar project, a project with arsenic, and a separate project on the mountains.

One of the biggest challenges, like any other sector, is sustainable development. Improvement in the sector must be uniform and reach each and every corner of the country. Undoubtedly, access to clean and safe water supply is a key element in improving the quality life. Collaboration between sectors is sure to go a long way in improving public health. Improved sanitation of water will also reduce infant and child mortality rates. 

The current state of sanitation and water supply for people living in semi-urban and rural areas must be improved upon. The government must ensure that the funding is allocated accordingly.