The “Resilient WASH Appropriate to Flood-Affected Haor People of Bangladesh” project is a vital initiative aimed at addressing the persistent water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) challenges faced by communities living in the flood-prone Haor regions of Bangladesh. These low-lying wetlands are highly vulnerable to seasonal flash floods and waterlogging, which repeatedly damage WASH infrastructure, contaminate water sources, and exacerbate the spread of waterborne diseases—particularly among women, children, and persons with disabilities.
The project’s core objective is to establish climate-resilient WASH systems that can withstand the unique geographical and climatic conditions of the Haor areas. By introducing flood-resilient latrines, raised tube wells, rainwater harvesting systems, and elevated platforms for hygiene facilities, the project ensures that communities maintain safe access to clean water and sanitation throughout the year, including during emergencies.
In addition to physical infrastructure, the project emphasizes community capacity building through hygiene promotion, behavior change communication (BCC), and training on WASH maintenance and disaster preparedness. Special focus is given to involving local government institutions, schools, women’s groups, and youth volunteers to strengthen ownership and sustainability.
The project also incorporates gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches to ensure that WASH services meet the needs of all community members, including marginalized and vulnerable groups. Furthermore, by linking WASH interventions with local disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies, the project supports long-term resilience against climate-induced hazards.Ultimately, this initiative seeks to enhance the health, dignity, and resilience of Haor communities by delivering safe, sustainable, and inclusive WASH solutions that are appropriate to the region’s unique risks and realities. It aligns with national development goals and global commitments such as SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).