Micro-Sanitation in Sirajganj, Bangladesh

Bangladesh is often considered as the largest delta of the world. It is also among one of the most densely populated country of the world, and at the same time one of the poorest countries. The access to safe water and the use of hygienic latrines in the rural area of Bangladesh is limited mainly because of the remoteness of the area, and poverty. Bangladesh suffers from two additional problems with their water facilities: arsenic poisoning and salination (near the coast). In the past many water wells were dug to a depth of 15 meters. Because of this many inhabitants of Bangladesh suffer from arsenic poisoning. Inhabitants drink salinated water which is unhealthy in the long run.

As part of these projects Deep Tube Wells are installed (to a depth of 300 meters), which provide the local people with safe (arsenic free) drinking water.

Goals overview

To raise community awareness level on safe drinking water, hygienic sanitation systems and personal hygiene. Create community demand for safe drinking water and hygienic sanitation. The installation of 5 deep tube wells providing 1000 people with access to safe drinking water. The Establishment of a Village Sanitation center (all families that use the deep tube well need to install a hygienic latrine at own costs).

Current status

This program has been initiated by one of our local partnerorganisations in Bangladesh. The content is based on a baseline survey held earlier this year. The project will start after we collected the needed funds.

Project plan

Activities Undertaken:

1. Project Orientation
This exercise is done at the beginning of the project operation to make the local community including the prospective beneficiaries aware of the relevant project activities particularly to associate them with the process of implementation of the project.

2. Training on Hygiene
a. Meeting with villagers
b. Poster distribution
c. Sanitation Fair / Cultural event
d. Teacher & Student Sanitation Training at schools
All these activities are organized to ensure villagers learn about good hygiene practicalities.

3. Installation of a Maintenance committee
To keep the DTW technically sound and manage it effectively, DTW caretaker training was arranged for the female and male members of the direct beneficiary Households so that they can repair it easily when any problem occurs. We also provide them necessary tools to repair the DTW and teach them practically the method of repairing. It helps the community people to get continuous service from the installed DTW.
After the training a maintenance committee is established, consisting of 4 females, who are responsible for the maintenance of the DTW.

4. Installation of Deep Tube Well (DTW)
a. Site selection
Site selection based on the following criteria:
- At least five to 6 families are living in cluster whereby at least 30 members directly and 20 members indirectly are the beneficiary of the project.
- Family income not more than 3000 taka a month.
- Distance between the existing tubes well to the proposed one not less than 200 meters.
- Every family should have a sanitary latrine (see below).
- Willing to join in the hygiene and sanitation meeting in the community.
- Women of the household should get priority to select the site.
- Land for the construction of the tube well should be provided through joint decision of the group.
- Natural disasters (like floods) should be taken into consideration selecting the site for the DTW.
b. Collection of contribution villagers and 200 signatures
The villagers have to contribute approx. EUR 100. Only after this amount has been deposited the DTW will be installed. Furthermore all villagers
have to sign that they agree with the location of the DTW, will take care of the DTW and take the hygiene lessons into account.
c. Procurement
All materials will be produced locally. A local contractor will be selected (based on a tender procedure) who will install the DTW.
d. Installation DTW
Installation of the DTWs will be performed by the selected contractor.
e. Platform construction
Platform will be installed by the selected contractor.

5. Sanitary latrine distribution/ installation
Ring-slab distribution for the families to ensure sustainable solid waste management is a prior demanded activity for this project. Depending on income, villagers have to contribute an amount for the latrine. Ownership is found key to make sure latrines will be used by the villagers.

Expected outcomes

• Installation of 5 Deep Tube Wells
• Access to safe drinking water for 1000 people
• Installation of hygienic latrines by local villagers
• Improved health and hygiene situation in the project area
• Reduced waterborne diseases like diarrhoea and arsenicosis

The project was initiated and will be carried out by a local partner organisation (NGO) in Bangladesh. All materials used in this project will be produced locally. To make sure the project will be sustainable the following aspects are included:

In order to involve the local community in the project 200 signatures and €100 need to be collected before a deep tube well will be dug. It is also obligatory to attend an educational meeting and a maintenance committee is established that is responsible for the functioning of the water well. Before installation of the deep tube well and/or latrine local people have to attend a meeting on hygiene.

Latrines are not provided free of costs (ownership is key in this process). The project foresees in the establishment of a Village Sanitation Center where village people can buy a latrine.