ADRA Bangladesh Distributed Tubewells and Ring Slabs among Vulnerable Communities

Rural communities in Bangladesh face numerous challenges related to water and sanitation. Before the widespread adoption of tube wells and toilets, many communities relied on surface water sources for drinking, and open defecation was a common practice. These practices led to frequent illnesses and posed risks to personal safety and dignity.

Water and Sanitation Support Project (WSSP) and Community Empowerment Project (CEP), Daulatpur, Manikganj, distributed 32 tubewells and 88 sets of ring slabs among its beneficiaries. Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) and Upazila Sub-Assistant Engineer were present at the distribution event. Tubewells provide access to clean, safe drinking water and have been instrumental in reducing the incidence of water-borne diseases. The implementation of tubewells has been mostly successful, and the rural population now has access to clean drinking water.

“ADRA Bangladesh distributes ring slabs and tube wells to the beneficiaries every year free of cost. They identify marginalized individuals from each group with honesty. It does not take even 1 taka (BDT) for this. I feel fortunate to be associated with this institution,” Maya Rani Halder, a beneficiary member of WSSP, and CEP.

While the provision of tubewells has been a significant development, the availability of toilets has been equally important. Before the widespread adoption of toilets, open defecation was common in many rural areas of Bangladesh. This posed significant risks to personal safety and dignity, particularly for women and girls. The provision of toilets has helped to reduce the incidence of diseases related to poor sanitation, such as diarrhea and cholera.

“ADRA Bangladesh is an established NGO that has been working with a reputation in Bangladesh including Daulatpur Upazila. They are working for the economic and moral development of poor people. To my knowledge, many people have become self-reliant through their projects. ADRA continues to work to implement the policies of the Government of Bangladesh,” said Md. Ashiqur Rahman Chowdhury, Upazila Executive Officer (UNO).

The significance of tubewells and toilets in rural areas of Bangladesh cannot be overstated. These facilities have had a profound impact on the health and well-being of rural communities, particularly in terms of reducing the incidence of water-borne diseases and promoting good hygiene practices. Installing tube wells and toilets has also had positive economic impacts, as improved health and sanitation have led to increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs.

“ADRA Bangladesh implements each work in coordination with various government departments before implementing it at the field level. There are many problems in the Daulatpur Upazila. One of them is the lack of fresh water. ADRA Bangladesh distributes charcoal filters and tube wells to the beneficiaries every year to overcome this problem," said Mr. Shubhankar Mandal, Upazila Sub-Assistant Engineer.

“ADRA Bangladesh is committed to achieving targets as per SDGs directed by the government. Since people are suffering in water and sanitation in this area, we are working rigorously to improve the WASH system in our targeted communities, said Gorg Tamal Choudhury, Project Manager.

Providing tube wells and toilets has been a critical development in rural areas of Bangladesh. These facilities have provided access to clean drinking water and improved sanitation, leading to significant improvements in the health and well-being of rural communities.