Safe Drinking Water Supply Facilities [GGHSP]

Barguna is a disaster-prone coastal region where communities have long struggled with salinity intrusion, water scarcity, and lack of access to clean drinking water. Most people relied on shallow tube wells or even pond water for their daily needs—sources that were heavily contaminated and unsafe, contributing to widespread waterborne diseases and malnutrition, particularly among children.

In the heart of the coastal Karaibaria Union in Taltali Upazila, Barguna District, a transformative change has begun to ripple through the community—clean, safe, and sustainable drinking water is now a reality. Spearheaded by Good Neighbors Bangladesh (GNB) with the support of the Embassy of Japan, the Project for Construction of Drinking Water Supply Facilities under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) has taken a vital step towards ensuring one of the most fundamental human rights: access to safe water.

The initiative’s primary goal was therefore to improve the livelihoods of residents by providing them with reliable and sustainable water sources. To achieve this, the project focused on a multi-pronged approach that included constructing new water facilities, ensuring they were easily accessible to the community, promoting healthy and responsible lifestyles, and fostering local economic growth by creating entrepreneurship opportunities in water management.

The success of this community-centered approach to water access hinged not only on new infrastructure but on deep community participation and ownership. A cornerstone of this initiative was the formation and operation of Safe Water Committees (SWCs), which took responsibility for local water management to ensure the system’s long-term sustainability. As a direct result, community members gained reliable access to safe water, significantly reducing the burden of water collection and lowering health risks. This was complemented by targeted awareness campaigns that successfully changed community attitudes toward hygiene, sanitation, and responsible water use. Ultimately, the local ownership of these water systems empowered residents, opening the door to community-driven financial management, decision-making.

The tangible impacts of the project are evident in the newly constructed communal water tank structures and water collection standpoints, which are now serving hundreds of people. These facilities were developed in line with the environmental challenges of the coastal region and have been placed strategically for easy access.

In addition, training sessions and regular meetings for the Safe Water Committees were conducted to build capacity in managing the infrastructure, maintaining hygiene standards, and ensuring financial transparency. This committee—comprising representatives from the community and Good Neighbors Bangladesh—plays a pivotal role in the long-term sustainability of the facilities.

Before the project, the people of Karaibaria Union were highly vulnerable to water-related illnesses such as diarrhea, dysentery, and skin infections. Children were among the most affected, often missing school due to illness or having to fetch water for their families.

Today, the situation is improving. With easy access to clean drinking water, children can focus on their education, families save money on healthcare, and the community is gradually shifting towards a healthier, more resilient lifestyle.

Moreover, the use of safe water contributes to reducing malnutrition, especially among children. A healthy child learns better, and an educated generation builds a better society. The long-term benefits of this project go far beyond water—they touch on every aspect of community development.