100% Sanitation (Latrine Coverage) by 2010 in Bangladesh.
The United Nations declared its Millennium Development Goals (MDG) in 2000. Subsequently the World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD) held in Johannesburg of South Africa put special emphasis on sanitation among other issues. The summit adopted the resolution to reduce the unsaved population of 2400-millions sanitation by 50% within 2015 and to achieve universal sanitation coverage by 2025. As a follow up, Government of Bangladesh organized South Asian Conference on Sanitation (SACOSAN) in October 2003 for South Asian Countries. 300 experts and representatives from 9 countries participated in the conference. The participants expressed their determination through the Dhaka Declaration for promotion of sanitation in the region.
To put emphasis on sanitation, the Government of Bangladesh has declared sanitation for all by 2010 as an approach for reduction of child death from water borne diseased, protection of environment and reduction of poverty. With the coordinated efforts of all government partners, non-government agencies and Local Government Institutions (LGIs) the Local Government Division is committed to realise declared targets by the stipulated time.
To put emphasis on sanitation, the Government of Bangladesh has declared sanitation for all by 2010 as an approach for reduction of child death from water borne diseased, protection of environment and reduction of poverty. With the coordinated efforts of all government partners, non-government agencies and Local Government Institutions (LGIs) the Local Government Division is committed to realise declared targets by the stipulated time.
Local Government Division of the Government of Bangladesh carried out nation-wide baseline sanitation survey in 2003 involving government and local government Institutions and acquired relevant information to prepare a comprehensive plan to achieve the sanitation target. The summary of the baseline survey is presented below:
The Government of Bangladesh has taken up an extensive programme of “National Sanitation Campaign” in order to ensure Government’s Commitment of achieving 100% sanitation by the year 2010. In this regard the month of October, each year has been declared Sanitation month.Government of Bangladesh hosted SACOASN (South Asian Conference on Sanitation), 2003 in October in order to (i) assess the state of Sanitation & Hygiene, sharing experience and lessons learnt in the region (ii) raise the profile of Sanitation & Hygiene in South Asian following (WSSD) (iii) generate political commitment through a joint declaration and (iv) strengthen leadership/advocacy for improved sanitation & hygiene in South Asia.
Local Government Division of Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives has allocated 20% of the Upazila (Sub-District) development grant for improvement of sanitation. In this regard a guideline has been formulated for proper utilization of the aforesaid grant. In case of City corporations and Municipalities, Government also earmarked 20% of the development grant for improvement of sanitation.
Task Forces/WATSAN Committees with definite terms of reference have been formed in the National, City Corporations, District, Municipality, Upazila, Union and Ward levels to materialize the national sanitation programme.
Local Government Division of Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives has adopted a “National Sanitation Strategy” to reach the target.
Local Government Division declared additional development grants to Municipality/Upazila Parishad/Union Parishad and awards to head of those Local Govt. Institutions for achieving 100% sanitation under their jurisdiction. Up to March 2008, 1264 Union Parishads, 104 Upazila Parishads, 55 Pourashavas and 4 Districts have achieved 100% sanitation coverage.
Local Government Division of Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives had adopted a policy to provide sanitary latrine sets to “Hard-core Poor” free of cost, who will install the latrine set and construct its superstructure of their own.
Local Government Division of Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives has adopted a “National Sanitation Strategy” to reach the target.
Local Government Division declared additional development grants to Municipality/Upazila Parishad/Union Parishad and awards to head of those Local Govt. Institutions for achieving 100% sanitation under their jurisdiction. Up to March 2008, 1264 Union Parishads, 104 Upazila Parishads, 55 Pourashavas and 4 Districts have achieved 100% sanitation coverage.
Local Government Division of Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives had adopted a policy to provide sanitary latrine sets to “Hard-core Poor” free of cost, who will install the latrine set and construct its superstructure of their own.
Sanitation (Latrine Coverage) from October 2003 to March 2008:
Future Challenges:Sustainability: -
Sustainability of Sanitation System adopted by the people is a major challenge; Efforts are to be taken to ensure sanitation practices by the people as everyday routine work. Hard-Core poor people may shift to their old practice of open defecation, once their latrine needs major maintenance and rehabilitation. Routine hygiene practices such as latrine use, hand washing after defecation and cleaning child’s bottom, before taking food etc. must be followed by all members of a household. Total sanitation measures are to be adopted to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
Alongside achievement of 100% sanitation by all, Government has taken steps to provide hygiene education total sanitation for everybody. Through Local Govt. institutions and NGOs working in the locality, government has started providing hygiene education and motivating people to adopt total sanitation practices, such as clean courtyard, solid waste disposal, drainage of storm and domestic water. But this is a gigantic task and it needs active co-operation from donors, NGOs and others stakeholders.
Sanitation in Urban areas:
Sanitation practices among city dwellers in core areas in general are good. But the condition in urban slums and fringes are in a bad shape and need proper attention. Slum dwellers in City Corporations and Municipal areas lack provision of adequate safe drinking water, sanitary latrines, proper drainage facilities as well as hygienic practices. Land ownership and availability of space are major constraint. Sanitation coverage in urban areas is not increasing rapidly, due to absence of sanitation in slums and fringe areas. Immediate attention is necessary to improve the sanitation. Government is allocating additional budget to address the problem. But this is a huge task and lot of money and effort is required to ensure safe water, proper sanitation and hygienic practices. International donor agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders can come forward in this respect.
All the above problems are major challenges in the way to attain total sanitation by 2010. These problems are huge in nature and magnitude. UN agencies, international donors, international and national NGOs and other stakeholders can come forward united, alongside the government to solve this problem and support government in its campaign to provide total sanitation by the year 2010.
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