WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION IN THE CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS

The hilly geography of Chittagong Hill Tracts necessitates use of technologies different from those used in the lowlands of Bangladesh. The purpose of the component is to identify, test, adjust and disseminate a broad range of appropriate and cost-effective technical options for provision of water supply and sanitation in Chittagong Hill Tracts. The unique cultural heritage and political history of the tribal populations in Chittagong Hill Tracts make it necessary to identify and test institutional options for management of water supply and sanitation. Improved water supply and sanitation facilities will therefore be provided based on identified needs and expressed demands. The community must be willing to contribute to the construction cost of water supply facilities and to accept full responsibility for operation and maintenance of improved water supply facilities and for construction of household latrines.

The immediate objectives of the project are: 

1. To increase awareness for improved hygiene behavioural patterns and sanitation promotion. 
2. To improve access to water supply services and facilities especially for the underserved communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts 
3. To establish and operationalise an appropriate institutional arrangement for administration and operation of the HYSAWA Fund.
   
   
   
   

The outputs expected at the end of the HYSAWA Fund are:

• Hygiene and sanitation promotion manual and other communication materials are developed, tested and used.
• Community based organisations are formed and have entered into agreement with NGOs and other service providers on hygiene training.
• Community practises improved hygienic behaviour, construct, maintain and use sanitary latrines and maintain other environmental sanitation aspects.
• Coverage and access of water supply increased through new and rehabilitated water supply schemes.
• Water supply facilities operated, maintained and managed by communities and/or private sector.
• The capacities of the Chittagong Hill Tracts institutions are enhanced in executing hygiene promotion, sanitation and water supply schemes.
• An active HYSAWA Fund Board is functioning under the leadership of the Secretary of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs (MCHTA) for policy support and guidance.
• A functional relationship established with NGOs and other private service providers.

The technical assistance proposal project is still pending for necessary approval and Danida is there still waiting for the MCHTA to establish a Chittagong Hill Tracts HYSAWA FUND which directly serves the poor communities. In support of the ‘Peace Agreement 1997’, implementation is supposed to be made through the administrative structures as enacted by the government. Administration of the fund will be through a board representing relevant institutions. Operation of the fund will be the responsibility of the regional and district level executive committees, supported by fund support units. The board will be responsible for overall implementation strategy for administration and management of Chittagong Hill Tracts HYSAWA Fund project.

The total budget of the project is DDK 13.05 million. Danida will contribute with DKK 13 million and the Danish grant will be used for implementation of project-financed activities while GoB is expected to contribute with DKK 0.05 million.