Dutch-Bangladesh cooperation can boost safe water access: Envoy

Cooperation between the Netherlands and Bangladesh can expand the access to safe drinking water for communities across Bangladesh, particularly those in climate-vulnerable areas, through public-private partnership, Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris Van Bommel has said.

He made the observation while speaking to journalists during a visit to the Building Water Business programme of Max Foundation in Barishal yesterday.

The envoy visited the facility at Dudholmou in Bakerganj to see how smart, low-maintenance piped water systems, combined with digital payment solutions, enable efficient operations, transparent revenue collection, and a financially sustainable water business in climate-vulnerable contexts.

Joris Van Bommel said the two countries have much in common when it comes to water management, as both are shaped by deltas, rivers, and the sea.

"Water, delta, sea, and rivers provide a strong basis for cooperation between the Netherlands and Bangladesh," he said, stressing that water cooperation should also ensure access to drinking water for everyone.

The ambassador said his visit was aimed at examining how the "last mile" of water connectivity could be addressed so that communities could receive piped water at their homes.

He said access to tap water is important not only for improving the quality of water but also for reducing the burden on women and girls, who often have to travel considerable distances to collect water.

Joris Van Bommel said the experience in Barishal demonstrated that sustainable water services could be developed through cooperation among the government, private sector, and communities.

"We sincerely believe that is a sustainable solution to make sure that every household in Bangladesh does get access to water in the house, but also that it's affordable in a public-private partnership perspective," he said.