REPORTON

NATIONAL SEMINAR; "CHALLENGES IN WATER AND SANITATION"

Prepared by:

Qazi Mahbubul HasanInformation Officer

NGO FORUMFOR DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION

4/6, Block-E, Lalmatia, Dhaka-1207

REPORTON

NATIONAL SEMINAR"CHALLENGES IN WATER AND SANITATION"

Prepared by:

Qazi Mahbubul HasanInformation Officer

NGO FORUMFOR DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION

4/6, Block-E, Lalmatia, Dhaka-1207

IW I ??"? f

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY THE DIRECTOR OF NGO FORUM 2

SPEECH BY THE CHIEF GUEST 5

SPEECH BY THE SPECIAL GUESTS 7

SPEECH OF THE CHAIRPERSON 13

WORKING SESSION - 1 16

WORKING SESSION - 2 2~

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS 39

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

' IAt the forty-seventh session in November 1992, the United NationsGeneral Assembly adopted a resolution designating March 22 of eachyear as the "World Day for Water". To mark the day at the nationallevel NGO Forum, the apex networking body of NGOs engaged in WATSANsector* organized a National Seminar "Challenges in Water andSanitation" in Dhaka.

The primary objectives of the Seminar was to critically analyze theWATSAN situation, to find possible ways and means to improve thesituation and to share policy guidelines in this sector.

The seminar was inaugurated by the Chief guest of the Seminar,Minister for Environment and Forest, Government of the People'sRepublic of Bangladesh. State Minister for Social Welfare,Government of the Peqple's Republic of Bangladesh, Representativeof UNICEF, Acting \ Representative of WHO, Deputy ResidentRepresentative of UNDP and Chief Engineer of DPHE were present asspecial guests. The Seminar was Chaired by Dr. Kazi Faruque Ahmed,Executive Director, Proshika Manobik Unnayan Kendra.

The Seminar was attended by 100 representatives from variousgovernment organizations, Diplomatic Missions, Donor Agencies, UNBodies, World Bank, NGO Community and from mass media.

Director, NGO Forum for DWSS delivered the keynote address.Welcoming the resource persons and participants he hoped thatthrough their thoughtful discussions the objectives of the Seminarwill be achieved.

Mr. Zia-Us-Sabur, Sr. Programme Officer, NGO Forum presented thevote of thanks to all. The Seminar was facilitated by Mr. QaziMahbubul Hasan and Mr,. A.R.M.M. Kamal of NGO Forum for DWSS.

The Seminar had two working sessions, two papers were presented ineach session. The presentations were followed by open discussion.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY MR. S.M.A. RASHIDDIRECTOR, NGO FORUM FOR DWSS

Though unpopular but spoken in truth that when

we are performing the necessary task ofdrawing attention to human needs,unfortunatelythese well known words come to our mind that,"The developing world is like a stage on whichfalls no light but only tragic plays arestaged".

Although the Secretary General of the UnitedNations while declaring the activities of thisdecade, had encouraged us in his speech by

saying safe drinking water and basic sanitation system not onlyhelp to build a happy and healthy urban life but also play a greatrole in economic growth. Then even today, we are in the scene ofthe same tragic play due to lack of initiatives and resourcelimitations.

Surprisingly even today there is no provision for safe water for181 crore people and no sanitary latrines for 220 crore people ofthe developing world where total population now stands at 262crore. As many as 1,5 million people die of water-borne diseasesonly in the third world. In view of such alarming situation theactivities of the second phase of the decade has been launched forthe period 1991-2000. And stepping into this 2nd phase the UnitedNations at its 47th session of the General Assembly adopted aresolution designating March 22 as the World Day for Water.

The myopic activities of the human being has made this criticalsituation prevail in the developing world as well as " in thedeveloped countries. It may be cited here that as we are largelyexploiting and polluting surface water we are to look for ways forusing the ground water. Thus ground water level is going downgradually.

For this uneven distribution of resources, lack of proper policyguideline and planning our public health status has reached to adevastating position. According to World Health Organization aminimum of 70 litres of water is needed for a single person to meethis/her daily requirements. But it has been evident from a study

that the use of tubewell water in a day is12.5 liters only. From these statistics onlyit is not possible to realize the severityof the situation. For instance, for 5 monthsthe people of the coastal areas have todepend on rain water for meeting their basicneeds of water. About 80% of the diseases inour country are borne by water, of whichdiarrhoea is one, and polluted environmentworks behind all these phenomena. Nearly^00,000 children under five die of diarrhoeaevery year in our country.

The Honourable Prime Minister Begum KhaledaZia in a Seminar held on February 11, 1992attended by 800 professionals working inPublic Health Sector, called upon the peoplefrom all walks of life to take part in the"Social Mobilization for Sanitation"programme. In response to her call NGO Forumhas enrolled its name in implementing thenational programme entitled "SocialMobilization for Sanitation" NGO Forum withthe support of its partner NGOs has achieveda great success in implementing the programmein 7-selected thanas during the first yearApril 1993-March 1994. From a baseline Surveycondacted in these 7 thanas it has been foundthat there were 8-10% households undersanitation coverage while only after theintervention of NGO Forum, i.e. after oneyear, percentage of the coverage presentlystands at 80-90%.

Adequate and proper supply of safe water,and its use in consonance with theenvironmental impact and hygienic sanitationfor prevention of water-borne diseases shouldbe the prime issues to be ensured. The Dayhas a great significance in raisingmass awareness.

Surprisinglyeven today thereis no provisionfor safe waterfor 181 crorepeople and nosanitarylatrines for220 crorepeople of thedeveloping worldwhere totalPopulation nowstands at 262crore.

From a baselinesurvey conductedin these 7thanas it hasbeen found thatthere were 8-10%households undersanitationcoverage whileonly after theintervention ofNGO Forum, i.e.after one year,percentage ofthe coveragepresently standsat 80-90%,

Let us make the promise today on the World Day for Water to makethe sector more dynamic by ensuring environmental equilibrium whichwill result in an improved public health status.

The Forum hopes that through this seminar a National Policy onPublic Health will be initiated where the sector professionals,policy makers and expert utilizing political commitment of thedemocratic government wi11 be able to contribute.

Besides, the Forum hopes that this Seminar will open up ways toreach the desired goal of the Programme by proper distribution ofresources and collaboration and cooperation among various govt. andnon-government organizations and donor agencies.

Let us make thepromise today on theWorld Day for Waterto make the sectormore dynamic bye n s u r i n genvironmentalequilibrium whichwill result in animproved publichealth status.

Guests of Seminar are seen in the picture.

SPEECH BY THE CHIEF GUESTMR. AKBAR HOSSAIN

THE HONOURABLE MINISTER, MINISTRY FOR ENVIRONMENT & FORESTGOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLES' REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH

Owing to an unhygienic water and sanitation situation the securityfor the lives of children are being hampered, as a re,sult, it ishindering our population control programme, that is, the entiredevelopment activity or planning process.

Human resources are the prime resources ofthis country and the importance of safewater for the development of this resourceis unlimited. Because development denotesbetter health system, improved quality oflife, in short, social development. And therole of safe water in all of these isunlimited. It is necessary to ensure propersanitation system for proper water management

The amount of surface water is rapidlydeclining due to disorders in nature createdby man-made Farakka Dam and other factors.When the flow of the rivers decreases in thedry season, there is rapid increase in thesaline water in the northern parts of thecountry. Saline water is now swallowing thesweet-water regions moving away from thecoastal regions. As a consequence, thequality of the soil of these sweet-waterregions is undergoing a change - thefertility of the soil is being destroyed,various plants and trees are dying. In the

the Sundarbans has stoppedThe number of "Sundary" trees inhas decreased from 50 per centit. And due to the destruction

of this forest resources, the sea level willrise under the influence of the Greenhouseeffect on the environment. And a large areaof Bangladesh will be submerged by salinewater.

meanwhile,expanding,the forestto half of

When the flowof the riversdecreases in thedry season,there is rapidincrease in thesaline water inthe northernparts of thecountry. Salinewater is nowswallowing thesweet-waterregions movingaway from thecoastal regions.As a consequ-ence,the qualityof the soil ofthese sweet-water regions isundergoing achange - thefertility of thesoil is beingdestroyed,various plantsand trees aredying.

The govt. is quite aware of this resultant situation. someobjectives in tune with the needs of the times have been determinedin the Fourth Five Year Plan (1990-1995). Among the determinedobjectives are development of present technology, invention ofstill lower costs•alternative method and research and developmentbeing undertaken by DPHE for use of appropriate technology in areaswhere unsuitable technology exists. UNICEF, WHO, and otherorganizations are providing assistance in this matter.

In Bangladesh the level of ground water is different at differentplaces. In the perspective of this situation, the c o a s t M regionhas been brought under the purview of research and develppment.

DPHE. UNICEF. and NGO-Forum through their joint endeavours for thelast 5 years have brought about a silent revolution in ensuringsafe water supply and sanitation system in Bangladesh.

• • • ' • . • <

We naturally feel encouraged when we see the government effortsaccompanied by the initiatives of the non-government voluntaryorganizations (NGOs) in attaining the goal of "Health for All bythe Year 2000".

On the whole, the programmes and success of the NGOs for puredrinking water supply and sanitation system are praise-worthy.

I think that the significance the World Day for Water in Bangladeshhas long-term implications. In Bangladesh this Day js beingobserved for the first time by tiie initiative of NGO Forum,; I thankthe organization to take the lead. .

The Chiief Guest of theSeminar Mr. Akbar HossainHonourable Minister forEnvironment of Forest isde1ivering the speech ofChief Guest.

SPEECH OF THE SPECIAL GUESTMR. FAZLUR RAHMAN

THE HONOURABLE STATE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL WELFAREGOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLES' REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH

Today, on the World Day for Water NGO Forum by organizing thisSeminar is performing a vital duty. '

In the Fourth Five Year Plan of the Bangladesh Government, emphasishas been given on the universal access to safe water and the targetfor* the use of sanitary latrines has been set at 35%. Even if 35%coverage is attained, the problem will not be totally solved. Herealso, universal use of sanitary latrines have to be ensured.

As a densely populated country, in Bangladesh, the issue of safewater and water-related problems deserve to be considered withgreat importance. Ensuring adequate and regular supply of safewater, using water in consistent with the environment, andimproving the sanitation system for prevention of , water-bornediseases are all indispensable for Bangladesh.

The Govt. Bangladesh has taken up plans in its Fourth Five YearPlan to involve 15% of women in all sectors, in addition to theirinvolvement in household work. The Fourth Five Year Plan hasprovisions for enabling the women to participate more actively inorder for the safe water and sanitation programme to achieve itsdesired results.

Under the purview of the Fourth Five Year Plan for. the period(1990-1995) DPHE, the implementing body of WATSAN activities of thegovt. of Bangladesh, has plans to install 60 thousand shallow handtubevrells, 15 thousand deep handpumps, 60 thousand deep-set tarapumps in rural areas. And 75 thousand inoperative tubewells will bereplaced or repaired. For improvement of the environment, 12 lacswater-sealed sanitary latrines will be produced with UNICEFassistance for sale.

Here also, alongside the plans and programmes of the Govt., theNon-Government Voluntary Organizations (NGOs) continue to devotetheir untiring efforts for ensuring safe water and sanitationsystem.

One of the conditions for ensuringthe health of this huge populationis to ensure the adequate andregular supply of safe water andbasic sanitation system. If thepublic health system is notensured then just as developmentand progress is not possible,similarly the rate of all developmentat national levels is boundto be hindered.

Let us spread the significanceof this Day upto the grassrootslevel through observing theWorld Day for Water in a widerperspective by considering thevery importance of water forthe existence of human beings.And let us initiate a socialmovement for use of safe waterfor all purposes and use ofhygienic latrines. In this waythe slogan of "Health for All.bythe Year 2000" will achieveits success.

Special Guest of the SeminarMr. Fazlur Rahman, HonourableState Minister for Social Welfareis delivering his speech.

The Fourth Five YearPlan has provisions forenabling the women toparticipate moreactively in order forthe safe water andsanitation programmeto achieve its desiredresults.

SPEECH OF SPECIAL GUESTMR. ROLF C. CARRIERS, REPRESENTATIVE, UNICEF

Although we are gathered here to mark the UN declared "World Dayfor Water", I am pleased that the theme of this National Seminar is"Challenges in Water and Sanitation" .

The major challenge in the water sector in Bangladesh is the watertable declining below the suction limit. As a result, large numbersof suction pumps become non-functional for several months prior tothe monsoon rains. In collaboration with DPHE, we have commissioneda study to forecast future water table trends through mathematicalmodelling.

Every day, over 700 young Bangladesh children die of diarrhoealdiseases. This is unacceptably high and represents a tremendousloss to the bereaved family and to the nation as a whole. As aresult, the nation needlessly adds further to the unhealthy andless productive work force, which has serious implications onnational development.

Use of digested human waste as fertilizers should be promoted inBangladesh for both environmental and economic reasons at thefamily level. The use of bio-gas plants at institutions would alsoseen to be a viable technology.

We need to give much higher priority to hygiene education, andparticularly to proper hand washing before handling food and afterdefecation.

Unless a sound package of sanitation, hygiene education and safewater use is promoted, and people adopt hygienic practices, impacton health is likely to remain in significant.

I have the strong sense that the NGO Forum is well underway toproducing a breakthrough.

The seminar today is a reflection of our concern, and the desire tomake a difference.

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SPEECH OF SPECIAL GUESTPROF. MYO THWE, ACTING REPRESENTATIVE

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO)

Water is a basic human need for health i.e. the basal metabolism inthe body - indeed for survival: and therefore it is not anexaggeration to call it one of the basic human rights. Without safewater and sanitation there is no real development. Safe water isthe doorway to health and health is the pre-requisite for progress,social equity and human dignity. The basic needs for water and goodsanitation was recognized and endorsed by the WHO/UNICEFInternational Conference on Primary Health Care in Alma Ata 1978.Subsequently the International Drinking Water Supply and SanitationDecade IDWSSD (1981-1990) was declared with two main objectives:

01. To support governments in strengthening Water is a Basichealth agencies in their roles of human need formonitoring the health impacts of health i.e. thedrinking water supply and sanitation basal metabolismprogrammes, promoting improvements, and in the body -coordinating these programmes with other indeed forcomponents of primary health care; and survival: and

therefore it is02. Toi cooperate with governments in the not an exaggera-

establishment of appropriate quality tion to call itStandards for drinking water, in the one of the basicorganization of national drinking water human rights.quality surveillance programmes, and Without safe

the protection of drinking water sources. water andsanitation there

The importance of water as a vehicle for the is no realspread of disease has long been recognized. development.Most of the disease which prevail indeveloping countries when water supply andsanitation are deficient an infectious diseases caused by bacteria,amoebic viruses and various worms. Depending on the prevailingtransmission pathways different interventions in Water Supply andSanitation are required. Bacterial diarrhoea, and epidemic ofcholera and typhoid are often transmitted in drinking water. On theother hand countries in the developed and developing world arefacing chemical water quality problem, which could be eithernatural or man made.

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The inevitable consequence is highdiarrhoeal and skin disease incidence.Four major indicators should be used toassess adequacy of water supply -(a) Coverage, (b) Continuity,(c) Quality, and (d) Quantity.

Despite the achievement of 1990'swhere 1600 million people were servedsafe water supplies estimated 1200million people in developing countriesstill do not have proper access to safewater. They are at constant risk ofcontracting water and sanitationrelated diseases.

Let us make the remaining years inthe 1990's where all the countries andinternational community working togetherwith the aim to provide all the people ofworld with enough good water for their needand improve the sanitation in order to wipeout the water and sanitation relateddisorders.

Despite theachievement of1990's where1600 millionpeople wereserved safewater suppliesestimated 1200million peoplein developingcountries stilldo not haveproper access tosafe water. Theyare at constantrisk ofcontractingwater andsanitationrelateddiseases.

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SPEECH OF SPECIAL GUESTMR. MICHAEL CONSTABLE

DEPUTY RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE, UNDP

Bangladesh has sufficient amount of water. The public life has beendisrupted by huge floods. But the supply of safe water could not beensured. In sanitation the situation is more mournful a reportpublished from the central office of UNDP says that out of 173countries Bangladesh's rank stands at 147. In the rural areas thesituation is more vulnerable. The deadly health problems have beenhappening to a great extent for the water pollution. From a surveyconducted in 1992 it is evident that women, the half of the totalpopulation, are the main user of tubewe11 water. A programme shouldbe launched in this regard emphasizing the role of women. UNDP andUNICEF have been assisting various safe water and sanitationrelated projects in Bangladesh. FAO and UNDP have been providingassistance in conducting research activities in this sector.

SPEECH OF SPECIAL GUESTMR. AMINUDDIN AHMED, CHIEF ENGINEER, DPHE

As we all know that Bangladesh is a poor country so we have toutilize our resources judiciously. Huge success have been achievedin water sector during the previous years. Presently 96% of thetotal population drink tubewell water while only 16% use tubewellwater for all purposes. We drink tubewell water but wash clothswith the polluted pond water. For the well being of the people, itneeds public consciousness on water issues.

The sanitation situation of the country is even mournful. Only 33%people are using sanitary latrines and the rest of that is 67% areeither using open spaces or unhygienic latrines which pollute theenvironment,. For this reason diarrhoea situation is not improving.From a recent survey it appears that about 300,000 child deathsoccur due to diarrhoeal diseases, and about 1 million people areattacked by these diseases. We have to take necessary measures tomitigate this grim scenario. Recently a problem has arosetremendously, that is declining of the water table. Owing to thisproblem about 60% of normal tubewells now do not function. So wehave to think of preserving water which is in abundance duringrainy season e.g. in dams, reservoirs, etc. For the success of thischallenge we have to involve the community people in planning andimplementation process.

] .1

A n o t h e r i m p o r t a n t issue is d i s p a r i t y in d i f f e r e n t r e g i o n s in w a t e rc o v e r a g e . T h i s issue must be g i v e n a s e r i o u s thought . T h e o b j e c t i v eof the W o r l d D a y for W a t e r w o u l d be a c h i e v e d if w e g i v e thesei s s u e s pr i o ri t y. ,

SPEECH OF CHAIRPERSON 'DR. KAZI FARUQUE AHMED

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PROSHIKA-MUK

We are asking to preserve the environment but we are still usingthe pesticides which have been banned in the developed countriesand which is very much harmful. We should prohibit these in orderto save the environment and also before it turns to threateninghuman life. There are 18 such pesticides. Water becomescontaminated by these because of mismanagement of sanitation. Thewastes from tanneries are also polluting water ito a great extent.

There are two steps to develop the situation. The steps are:increasing of resource allocation in water and sanitation sectorand raising of public consciousness. Declining water t'able is nota big factor. The main problem is to ensure the proper use ofwater. Preservation of the rain water on the roof in rainy seasonhas been proved very effective. That water can be drunk afterboi1 ing properly. If such type of water management comes up peopleof the urban areas will not need the WASA water for six months.

"Everyday is counted as World Day for Water". The problems ofFarakka has been realized in great specially during March-April,when the ground water level start declining.

The Chairperson ofthe Seminar Dr. KaziFaruque Ahmed isdelivering his speech.

Pi of. Myn -Time. Acting Represent ,i 1 i vc

WHO, del ivcrs Ins r.f>e$ch.

The participants ininformal gathering

The guvsts in inforum I

gathe ring.

Mr. Zia-l)s-Sabur, Sr. ProgrammeOfficer, NGO Forum, is givingthe vote of thanks.

,1.'; . H o I i . (.'. Cti ' • / ' • . f t '

Hvpre.sen ( # t i ve . ! A' '("hidr I i ver ing his -<IH • vh/ /it* uecu's ion .

Mr. Aminuddin Ahmed, Chief HngiinDPHE, is speaking on the vecasivr

Chai rperson

WORKING SESSION - 1

Mr. Jeffrey S. 1'ereiraExecutive Director, CARITAS - Bangladesh

The first working session was scheduled for presentation oi paperson two vita) issues in this sector by the resource persons.Presenters of the session were Dr. Mohammad Ali Bhuiyan fromBangladesh University of Engineering and'Techno logy (BUET) and Dr.Bilqis Amin Hoque from ICDDR,B.

The presentations were followed by open discussion:

Prepared by;

Dr. Ainun NishatProfessorandDr. Mohammad Ali BhuiyanA.sst. ProfessorDepartment of Water ResourceEngineeringBUET

Paper:

Water Resources Development inBangladesh with Focuses onDrinking Water Supply.

INTRODUCTION:

Bangladesh is encoded with uneven distribution of water withrespect to time and space. The extremities influence the planningfor water resources development in Bangladesh with severe emphasison flood control, irrigation and drainage. This trend in waterresources infrastructure development for mostly single purposeobjective of increasing agricultural output has led to neglectother water sectors such as fisheries, navigation, salinity,potable water supplies to urban and rural homes, etc. Failure toutilize the water resources in an integrated, balanced andcomprehensive manner will not only cause stagnation in economic-growth, but also will give rise to many environmental problems.

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The National Water Plan Project (NWPP). a three party masterplanning project started in 1983 by the Government of Bangladesh(GOB), the World Bank (IBRD) and the United Nations DevelopmentProgramme (UNDP). Bearing in mind the need for integrateddevelopment, the NWPP formulated a perspective water developmentplan for the period 1985-2005 based on a comprehensive assessmentof all land and water resources potential in harmony with thedemand for water by the competing users and environment. Detailedproject planning has been based on the 173 hydrologic catchmentsand 60 planning units into which the country has been delineated.

The proposed National Water Plan (NWP) aims at development of waterresources to -

* maximize the net value added in agriculture and fisheries andto contribute to economic growth; and

* provide adequate water supplies in time and quantity fordomestic and industrial use, navigation, salinity control andenvironmental management,

Water becomes really a scarce resource in Bangladesh during the drymonths of the year and maximum water demand occurs in March. Grosswater demand is based on the requirement to irrigate the totalirrigable area (7.56 Mha), salinity control along the coastalbelts, riverine fisheries, inland navigation, domestic andindustrial uses. In 1988, groundwater development control have beenchanged from public to private sector which instigated aninstallation of STWs at a rate of 40,000 per year and foodgrainoutput expansion by nearly 10 percent at that period (MPO, 1991).Out of the total irrigated area 55 percent are under the command ofshallow (34 percent) and deep (21 percent) tubewells. Essentiallygroundwater are the source of these equipments. An incremental areaof 2.3 Mha is recommended for irrigation development during thenext 20 years (i.e. up to 2010). About the third of thisdevelopment will be contributed by surface water schemes of whichmajority are FCDI projects, mainly concentrated in the NW, SE andSC regions. The remaining irrigated area will be developed fromgroundwater resources. Most of these development is concentrated inthe NW and NE regions.

Municipal, rural domestic, and industrial water demands wereassigned the highest priority claim to water resources by MPO in

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its planning procedures. Water sufficient to meet projectedrequirement of this sector at the end of the planning period (year2010) was reserved in each planning area before allocation ofwaters to other purposes (MPO, 1991). This is especially true forpotable water use.

POTABLE WATER USE:

As a policy guideline MPO in its planning accorded highest priorityto the domestic and industrial water sector (MPO, 1991).; Theguiding principles were:

water sufficient to meet projected requirement of this sectorat the end of plan period (year 2010) is to be reserved ineach planning area before allocation of water are made forother uses.

water table depletion to a maximum limit of 15m below thevillage mound was analyzed as an alternative in determiningthe groundwater availability for various developments.

PER CAPITA WATER DEMAND AND CONSUMPTION:

Per capita water demand is variable with the type of areas(municipal or rural) it served and the type of services itprovided. The services provided, to the people are throughpressurized pipe system and hand tubewells. The remainingpopulation, not fully served, is assumed to use water at a lowerrate is classified as under served. These three categories havebeen used in MPO's calculations. Per capita water demand is alsoexpected to increase in the future with the growth of sanitationfacilities.

MAJOR ELEMENTS (URBAN AND RURAL):

The quantity and quality of water are prime considerations in theselection of any source of supply. Cost of development andoperation of water supply are also significant. In surface water,high bacterial count is of great significance from public health

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point of view, Surface water in ponds, lakes and rivers inBangladesh often show coliform counts between 500 and 2000 per 100ml (Ahmed, 1988) exhibit its higher degree of treatment requirementbefore domestic use. Groundwater, a vital Source of water supplyfor Bangladesh, generally requires no treatment. The country isalmost entirely underlain by water bearing formations at depthswithin a few meters below ground surface (MPO, 1986). Therefore,the underground sources are preferred for domestic water supplies.The two sources are interrelated, and use of one for irrigation ofdomestic supply may affect the water available from the other.Surface and groundwater are considered jointly in planning for thedevelopment of water supply systems.

Groundwater, in many areas of Bangladesh contain large amount ofdissolved minerals which they gather during the course of theirslow long travel through underground soil strata. The presence ofchlorides, iron and hardness in groundwater in excess of acceptablelimits restricts the per capita consumption of tubewell water inthe rural areas (UNDP, 1982).

Leaving aside salinity the other naturally occurring chemicals arewell within the acceptable limits set by EPCB and WHO, except ironand boron (MPO, 1987). The total iron content ranges from trace tomore than 10 mg/1 in a large area along the Brahmaputra river, andin smaller areas northwest of Dhaka, and between Khulna andBarisal. Whereas, the concentration of iron is less than 2 mg/1 inmost of the northeast and northwestern part of Bangladesh. The TDSare fairly low and constant throughout the country excepting thecoastal areas where it is about 1000 mg/1, particularly in Khulna,Jessore, Faridpur, Barisal and Patuakhali districts. The TDS valuefor the rest of the country is around or less than 500 mg/1. Thevalue of hardness of groundwater ranges from very soft (50-100mg/1) in the northwest and northeast regions to very hard (400-500mg/l) in the coastal areas of the country. Also the western partof Rajshahi has a bit of more hardness than the rest of thecountry. Except the coastal areas, the rest of the country have achloride content less than 500 mg/1. Low pH, that can affect thewell screens have been found in Bogra, Mymensingh, Barisal, Comillaand Jessore. On the other hand high pH value has been found inDinajpur.

The position of saline groundwater front is dictated by localseasonal recharge and regional groundwater throughflow from the

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north. Saline water intrusion may take place by unbalanced excesswithdrawal than recharge or by reducing the throughflow. Freshwaterin coastal areas occur in two zones: shallow freshwater from within10-20 nv and deep fresh water from beyond 200 m. Localized pressurereduction by tubewell abstraction may cause upcoming of salinegroundwater over and above the regional saline water interface. Tomitigate salinization of the shallow aquifer, it is essential tocontrol groundwater abstraction, adopt suitable well design andhave a thorough knowledge of the hydrogeology of these aquifers(Michael, 1986). Groundwater flow in the lower aquifer is extremelydifficult to assess or quantify, because the groundwater qualitypattern is complex and the flow characteristics largely unknown(MPO, 1987a). It is thus, essential to conduct further studies inthis area by test drilling and aquifer testing program supported bygroundwater modelling studies to understand the groundwater regimeand determine allowable rates of withdrawal.

GROUNDWATER AVAILABLE FOR DEVELOPMENT:

Taking laccount of the low confidence limit for the calculatedvalues of potential recharge, usable recharge is set equal to 75percent of mean annual potential recharge. Available recharge wasdetermined by reducing usable recharge for geographic and physicallimitations on groundwater use; eliminating areas where water needsare already met by surface water development; and deducting outflowto rivers from the start of the monsoon season to the beginning ofthe irrigation season. As a future aid to groundwater developmentplanning has been prepared which classifies the maximum DSSTWsuction-mode unconstrained development potential index into fourcategories depending on the portion of estimated usable rechargethat can be developed in a given zone: less than 25 percent, 25 to50 percent, 50 to 75 percent, and more than 75 percent. Thisidentifies areas where force-mode pumps will have to be extensivelyused to attain reasonable levels of groundwater irrigationdevelopment. It is of interest to note that most of the country,falls into the extreme categories, with only narrow trans tionzones between them. .

Available recharge ranges from about 100 mm to over 500 mm. Lowestvalues, 100 mm or less occur in the western SW region and theRajshahi High Barind. Highest values (over 500 mm) occur in thelighter textured soil areas of Thakurgaon andRangpur, at the

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confluence of the Jamuna and Old Brahmaputra, and in the deeplyflooded piedmont foot areas of the NE region. Future grouridwaterdevelopment potential is the difference between available rechargeand the sum of present agricultural groundwater consumption, andreserve for potable and industrial water supplies to the year 2010.Based upon NWP irrigated area, cropping pattern and water duties,the national estimate of net agricultural groundwater withdrawal at1989/90 status is 8806 Mm3. Potable water supplies and industrialwithdrawal were estimated for the year 2010 to be 3,191 Mm , andthis quantity is reserved before planning any additionaldevelopment. Comparison clearly indicate considerable remaininggroundwater potential.

The groundwater model studies by MPO indicated that there are manyplaces where current abstractions are approaching or exceeding theindicated potential, and the gfoundwater resources in such areasshould be showing signs of stress. Two early symptoms of suchstress would be:

1. Mass conversion of STWs into DSSTWs, and/or2. Suction-mode tubewells going out of operation because of the

decline of the water levels.

It is very clear that there is an increasing need for acomprehensive hydrogeological monitoring programme with its centreof gravity in the areas of heavy abstractions.

CONCLUDING REMARKS:

Water development in Bangladesh as arrived at a phase where it hasto proceed progressively from easy-to-develop single purpose waterschemes to more complex interrelated projects. This implies abeginning to plan for major infrastructure projects that wouldutilize unused water resources of major rivers. This implies a stepwhich would need longer period for development. Choice will have tobe made among alternative technologies, competing and conflictingusage and allocation. This would require careful monitoring of theland and water sector so as to mitigate adverse environmentalconsequences from such development.

The provision of domestic water supply fulfi1 Is a minimum essentialhuman need for survival and thus claim the highest national

22

priority. There should be no restriction on the installation ofhandpump tubewells for this purpose. If any such tubewells go outof action because of water table decline induced by pumpage forirrigation, replacement facilities should be provided. Concurrentlystudies should be carried out to focus groundwater development inareas where best return can be obtained, to develop suitabletechnologies for the more difficult conditions, and to establishmore accurate probable limits to abstractions with different pumptechnologies. In order to accomplish these studies, more accuratemonitoring of groundwater development will be needed in terms ofnumber of operating units, groundwater levels, actual abstractioncharacteristics. Existing studies have indicated that developmentmay be constrained in areas of the eastern hills of Sylhet andChittagong, and the Sylhet basin due to difficult aquiferconditions, and also the southern part of the SW, SC and SE regionsdue to salinity constraints.

Urban water supply should also be treated as of high priority, butdevelopment should be proceeded by optimization and feasibilitystudies. As a matter of priority, alternative and improved' potablewater, supply systems should be investigated and introduced.

It is true that the imposition of present suction-mode constraintto protect potable supplies in rural areas would curtailgroundwater irrigation development. The implication of the above isthat from the point of view of unrestricted development ofgroundwater by the private sector, it would be desirable for theGovernment of Bangladesh to invest in force-mode technology fordomestic supplies. The mechanized suction-mode shallow tub.ewells,the main stay of irrigation development in Bangladesh are inserious'setback contributed by declining water table coupled withother complex hydrogeological conditions. Now it is high time torethink whether there should be some sort of restrictions onprivate-sector installations of MOSTIs, STWs, DSSTWs and DTWs incongruence with the above suction-mode constraint!

23

Prepared by: Paper:

Dr. Bilqis A. Hoque and Environment and Diarrhoea.Dr. R. Bradley SackInternational Centre forDiarrhoeal DiseaseResearch, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B)

Introduction:

Environment refers to 'surroundings' and diarrhoea refers to anundesirable state of health.

In most of the preventive health impact studies in which asignificant reduction in diarrhoeal diseases was detected, therewas a significant association between diarrhoea and environmentalvariables, such as improved access to water supply and or adequatedisposal of human excreta or personal hygiene practices.

Faecally contaminated environmental and disease causal variablesare the main reaction components and diarrhoea is the product.Social factors also play a significant role in the system byconfounding or interacting variables and affecting the product,thereby introducing complexity in the phenomenon. For example,access to safe water and latrines (environmental) might beassociated with socio-economic status (social). On the other hand,personal hygiene (social behaviour) may be associated with theavailability of water (environmental), behaviour, and knowledge andor socio-economic conditions (social) etc.

A large number of infective organisms indiscriminately excreted infaeces which invariably survive in the environment. These areingested by consuming pathogens laden food or water or by oralcontact with dirty hands or with contaminated objects. Watercontaining pathogenic bacteria, at doses below those necessary toinfect humans, is also a potential risk.

Implications for Diarrhoeal Disease Control Programme

Diarrhoeal disease control programmes, in general, may be planedand implemented by considering the common strategies of (a) safe

24

disposal of excreta (man and animal), (b) using safe water, (c)practicing personal and food hygiene, and (d) disinfect ion of foodand water. '

There are two categories of water related infections. With respectto specific environmental and epidemiological features: lowinfective dose. A small number of the bacteria can multiply to forman infective dose if they find a suitable media.

Studies in Bangladesh have shown that safe drinking water alone wasnot enough to control cholera and even water used for otherdomestic purposes was important. It is likely that changes inexcreta disposal technology will have little effect on theincidence of these infections in developing countries if suchchanges are unaccompanied by sweeping changes in personalcleanliness.

Facilities in themselves are not meaningful unless they are usedproperly. This requires change in the perception and behaviour ofthe users, and therefore personal hygiene should be an integratedcomponent of any such project. Concurrent education to promotehand-washing and clearing of the home environment is alsonecessary. It is also important to note that animals are also areservoir/carrier of some pathogens and therefore removal of theirfaeces should be considered also.

Water Supply: Quality Vs Quantity-

There are doubts whether improvements in the quality of drinking

water alone can show a reduction in diarrhoea in areas where

environmental faecal contamination is high. Any or all of the

transmission modes can lead to diarrhoea. Studies in Bangladesh and

Nigeria found little or no association between the quality of

drinking water and diarrhoea in children.

When high quantities of water are available it is likely thatpeople will be able to use it more for personal hygiene and foodhygiene purposes. Of the 7 studies that examined the issue ofincreased amounts of water specifically, independent of waterquality, the median reduction was 27 percent.

25

Water Supply Vs Sanitation

The studies that compared the relative importance of water andsanitation, mostly reported that sanitation had the greatest impacton child health based on mortality, growth and morbidityindicators. Sanitation was most effective in reducing mortalityamong non-breast fed infants and infants of i 11 iterate mothers thanamong breast fed infants or literate mothers.

An educational intervention to improve water-sanitation behaviours(such as lack of hand-washing before preparing food, opendefecation by children in the family compound, and inattention toproper disposal of garbage and faeces) resulted in 26% fewerdiarrhoea episodes (P<0.0001) in children. Hand-washing alone wasreported to reduce shigella dysentery by 35 percent.

Water supply and sanitation and diarrhoeal morbidity in post-disaster situation.

During a recent post-cyclone activity, as usual, relief personnelwere trying to improve access to safe water by distributing waterpurifying tablets. But about 63% of these tablets were found tohave lost potency. All of the tested water samples from floodedponds were contaminated beyond acceptable standards for domesticwater use. Even field clinics or shelters did not have sanitarylatrines. A diarrhoea epidemic broke out after the disaster andhundreds of people died because of inadequate availability oftreatment.

It has been often argued that water supply and sanitation projectsare costly, but Briscoe has shown that when short term and longterm benefits are compared with other primary health carestrategies it provides higher health benefits. There is littledoubt that research is needed to develop cheaper and moreappropriate water-sanitation technologies. For an example, a recentstudy found that about 80% of the rural people in Bangladesh couldnot afford to buy soap. But an experimental s.tudy in ruralBangladesh reported that local washing agents, such as, soil, ashor soap, have similar potentials to reduce bacterial contaminationfrom hands.

26

Summary and Conclusions

In spite of the significant accomplishments of the U.N.International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade (1981-1991), in bringing water and sanitation coverage to more people, atthe end of the decade, 254 million urban and 880 Million ruraldwellers were still unserved with a safe water supply. About 1.5billion in rural areas and 4000 million people in urban areas didnot use sanitary latrines. Therefore, there remain a number ofquestions about the timing, level, and mix of water supply,sanitation and personal practices to be promoted in order tomaximize health benefits with limited resources.

Although several parallel routes for effectively transmittingfaecal-oral pathogens exist in many developing countries, studiesin different parts of the world have shown that improvements inwater supply and sanitation played a significant role in reducingdiarrhoea. The impacts are dependent on the type or level ofintervention, the level of pathogen exposure in the area, and thepresence or absence of certain risk factors. Excreta disposalappears to consistently play a more important role in determiningchildren's health in developing areas than do water supplies,especially where the prevalence of diarrhoea is high. But it may benoted that in all of these studies adequate use of sanitaryfacilities were ensured.

For success of any programme for improving environmentalsanitation, user participation "in planning and implementationphases of the programme is absolutely essential. As women are themain drawee of water and caretakers of children their involvementin water supply and sanitation programmes should be emphasized tomaximize the health benefits from water supply and sanitationprogrammes. However, effective involvement of user and. womenrequires participation from every level of the community; politicalleader, social leaders, institutions, etc. Literacy or lack of itis not a barrier in implementing these programmes as shown byMirzapur study.

Other preventive strategies recommended to control diarrhoea inaddition to improving water supply and sanitation and personalhygiene include: promotion of breast feeding, weaning education,immunization and use of ORT. The effectiveness of ORT in reducingmortality from chronic or dysenteric diarrhoea is believed to be

27

low and, in addition, ORT can be expected to have little impact ondiarrhoea morbidity rates. If we look carefully none of thesesuggested options are exclusive of each other but related,complementary and essential if we want to target children at allages and at all times of the year.

Therefore, the potential of environmental intervention throughimproved water supply and sanitation, and personal hygiene isimmense. Studies are required to identify environmental riskfactors for diarrhoea mortality, to develop plans to appropriatelyhandle post-disaster environmental health problems, to prioritizedthe importance of immediately feasible related interventionvariables, to make alternative water supply and sanitationtechnologies affordable, to identify methods to maximize theadequate use of facilities, to identify approaches to incorporateeffective community participation in the programmes and to developor identify appropriate monitoring indicators to effectivelyimplement the projects.

2 3

FROM THE FLOOR

From the floor Mr. A.M. Khan of RDRS pointed out an error in the5th page of Dr.Bilqis Am in Hoque's paper. He'said that it would behuman excreta instead of men excreta. The writer gladly acceptedthat. In another answerer to a question, she informed that excretaof animals were the main reason for diarrhoea, she also informedthat the results became same even if people washed their laands bythese polluted water with soap, soil or ashes. On a question askedby Mr. Mosharraf Hossain of PROSHIKA, Dr. Mohammad Ali Bhuiyananswered that the amount of vaporization was made on the basis ofwater level value, which was very technical. In an answer to aquestion on the relation between echo-bacteria and cholera Dr.Bilqis said that there were such case studies during disastersperiods. In reply to a question on fanciful research in the lowwater table of Farakka Dr. Hoque said that it was ve^y muchexpensive. In reply to a question raised by Ms. Selina Shelly ofTraining Task Group about transformation of water from one place toanother Dr. Ali informed that except the rainy season sufficientamount of water could not be found in real. But joint RiverCommission has been working on water transformation abroad.

The participantsof the Seminarare in the livelysession.

Chairperson

WORKING SESSION - 2

Mr. Aminuddin AhmedChief Engineer, DPHE

The session included two important papers. One concentrated on theimportance of north-south cooperation in environment anddevelopment, while the other paper denoted the significance of thesrole of NGOs in water and sanitation activities.

ffr.ep.ared. by;

Dr. Saleemul Huq andDr. A. Atiq RahmanBangladesh Centre forAdvanced Studies

Paper;

North-South Dialogue inEnvironment and Development

Introduction and Background

Environment became a global issue in the early seventies followingthe World Conference on Environment held in Stockholm Sweden in1972. This lead to the creation of the United Nations EnvironmentProgramme (UNEP) based in Nairobi. During the seventies a number ofinternational treaties regarding environmental issues came intobeing including the Ramsar Convention on wetlands, the BasleConvention on international transport of hazardous chemicals andCITES treaty on endangered animals.

This period also lead to a number of initiatives to bring togetherleaders from north and south to deliberate on global environmentand development issues such as the Brandt Commission and later theBrunt land Commission which brought out the inter 1inkages betweenthe north and south both in terms of development as well as forenvironmental protection.

The discovery of the hole in the ozone layer over the South polebeing caused by man made chemicals, namely Chlorofluoro carbons orCFCs lead to the Montreal Protocol to limit production and use ofCFCs which, for the first time involved a truly north-southdialogue and exchange in order to solve a planetary problem.

JO

Global Warming

The discovery of the possible runaway greenhouse effect due to manmade emissions of certain gases such as Carbon Dioxide and Methanewhich cause heat to be trapped in the earth's atmosphere caused agreat deal of international concern during the eighties. Thisculminated in the creation of the Intergovernmental Panel onClimate Change (PCC) by UNEP and the World MeteorologicalOrganization (WMO) who brought together hundreds of the world'sbest scientists from north and south to assess the likelihood ofglobal warming. This unprecedented, cooperation amongst theinternational scientific community lead to an assessment thatglobal warming was real and that action was needed to prevent itbecoming worse. This lead to intense negotiations over severalyears to finalize the Framework Convention on Climate.

UNCED

The culmination of these international activities occurred in 1992when over 100 heads of state and government met in Rio de Janeiro,Brazil during the Earth Summit to sign two international treaties,namely the Climate Convention and the Biodiversity Treaty as wellas two non-binding documents, namely Agenda 21 and the RioDeclaration. All these documents were produced by consensus afteryears of intense negotiations between north and south.

Water Issues

Water related issued played a central part dining all theinternational negotiations with a number of international meetingsbeing held prior to UNCED including the meeting on Rivers inOrleans, France and the International Conference on Water inDublin, Ireland. A1i these meetings and dialogues gave input intothe chapter on water in Agenda 21 which addressed the issue in acomprehensive manner.

• • . '

Present Status

The result of the last three decades of international concern andactivity on global environmental problems has resulted in a majornorth-south dialogue on many of these issues which has lead to anumber of healthy developments some of which are mentioned below:

31

The South has developed the capacity to prepare its ownpositions and become a genuine negotiating partner with thenorth to solve global environment problems.

The NGO and research communities have developed majorstrengths in terms of analytical, policy and negotiatingcapabilities and are now significant players in the north-south debate.

The issues of north-south debate on different environment anddevelopment issues have received major media attention so thatthey have become of truly global concern to citizens of allcountries.

The realization amongst both north and south that someproblems are truly global and cannot be solved by either thenorth or the south on their own.

The general realization (still not complete) that solving thesouth's development problems is necessary in order to solvethe planet's environmental problems.

Conclusion

The prospect for the remaining few years of this millennium is thatwe are becoming more and more a global village in which every humanbeing is a citizen of planet earth and that the divisions betweeneast and west, north and south, rich and poor will have togradually diminish in importance and the twin problems ofenvironmental degradation and large scale human misery need to betackled as environmental problems of ail mankind. The North-Southdialogue will remain a central avenue for articulating these viewsand devising strategies to solve them.

I 32

Prepared b_v: Paper;

Mr. Philip Wan Intensifying Good SanitationWES Section and Hygiene Practice: NGOsUNICEF can make a Substantial

Difference.

Every day over 700 children under five years of age still die ofdiarrhoeal diseases. It represents a tremendous loss to thebereaved family and the nation as a whole. These deaths can beavoided. A major contributing factor is the highly pollutedenvironment caused by high pathogenic load from exposed humanexcreta. The problem is aggravated by crowdiness in the home,rapidly growing population and poor hygienic practices. Assanitation and hygiene receive higher priority at the political andpolicy levels, can NGOs make a substantial contribution in thissector to improve the quality of life of the people?

It . is well recognized that NGOs, compared to many otherimplementing agencies, generally have a strong rapport with thecommunities through their field presence. Credibility, trust andbetter mutual understanding characterize the relationship betweenthe community and the reputable NGOs. As such, a greaterresponsibility also rests on the shoulders of these NGOs totransform the life of the people.

Over several thousand NGOs, large and small, are operating allacross the country. The majority are associated with theempowerment of the community through various developmental andhealth related interventions. A smaller number have specificprojects related to the promotion of safe drinking water, safeexcreta disposal and good hygiene practices.

Unless 'the development activities are formulated with a moreholistic approach, whatever short-term gains that are achieved canbe negated by physical weakness and ill health. To promote a healthenvironment and a healthy human being, both physically andmentally, is a corner stone of sustainable development.

The Government of Bangladesh has achieved remarkable success inproviding easy access to water supply. In the recent years,accelerated progress was achieved in the construction and use ofsanitary latrines, particularly in the rural areas where access to

33

sanitary latrines increased from 16% in 1990 to 33% in 1993. Thewider use of sanitary latrines, particularly of the do-it-yourself(homemade) type which is self-financed, was the turning point. Arecent WHO study on homemade sanitary latrines, sponsored by DPHE-UNICEF (1993), indicated that families with varied educational andeconomic background chose this technology. Over 50% of theconsumers spent less than Tk. 125 on the latrine construction. Allacross the country, consumers can also buy water-seal latrines fromthe fast growing numbers of private latrine producers, theDepartment of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), or NGOs. thusgiving them a choice in technology.

To complement the promotion of safe excreta disposal, hygieneeducation related to proper hand washing before handling food andafter defecation are also promoted by various implementing agencieswith different levels of intensity. Unless a sound package ofsanitation and hygiene education is promoted, and people adopt goodhygiene practice, impact on health is unlikely to be significant.

Sanitation success has been achieved in some parts of the countrythrough social mobilization and partnership with local allies andcommunity members. The experience in certain Thanas of Barisal andJhalokati districts and Dhamrai Thana of Dhaka district wheresanitation coverage has exceeded 80%, combined with significantimprovement in hygiene practices should be expanded throughout thecountry. The lessons learnt showed that women can play an effectiverole to influence other women in the community. The recent effortsof NGO Forum in achieving sanitary latrine coverage ranging from60% to 85% and proper hand washing among 40% to 70% of thepopulation in seven Thanas of the country within one yeardemonstrate that people are very receptive to change. Theconstruction of the homemade latrines along with water-seal types,the holding of courtyard meetings, group discussion andinterpersonal communication on hygiene education with systematicfollow-up, the support and active involvement of the Thana andUnion officials, schools and other allies were crucial to thesuccess.

Thei thrust on accelerating sustained use of sanitary latrines andproper hygiene practices is gaining momentum. As partners indevelopment, the NGOs have a responsible and important role in thisventure. Within the framework of their developmental activities.

NGOs can contribute significantly to the sanitation and hygienedrive without additional financial inputs. More specifically, theNGOs can consider the following interventions to contribute to thenational programme:

01. Motivate all family members belonging to the NGO target groupsto construct and use a sanitary latrine, and improve theirhygiene practices. The lack of sanitary latrines also depriveswomen and girls of a convenient and private place to fulfilltheir needs. The choice on the type will depend on theirpreference and affordabi1ity, ranging from the homemade to thewater-seal type. With respect to a homemade latrine, theconstraint normally possed by poverty or cash flow is notrelevant for most families who can use building materialsavailable in their backyard. All children should also bemotivated to use the facilities.

02. Motivate all NGO-target families who use a sanitary latrine tomotivate, in turn, at least three other neighbours not underthe NGO programme to adopt the same practice by constructingtheir own sanitary latrines,

03. Promote the use of human excreta, after natural digestion, asfertilizers. The Indian experience has shown that, despiteearlier resistance to this practice due to cultural factors,the economic value of the digested sludge as naturalfertilizers is increasingly recognized. After the excreta hasbeen left buried for about 1-8 months and the pathogens dead,the sludge can be safely handled.

04. Promote proper hand washing with soap or ash before handlingfood and after latrine usage. This practice will break a majorroute of disease transmission.

05. Motivate the local primary and high schools to participate inthe sanitation and hygiene promotion. Orientation of theheadmasters and teachers can be undertaken. The teachers canin turn motivate the students to adopt improved hygienepractices and the use of sanitary latrines. The teachers canadopt the model used successfully in many areas wherevillagers in the school catchment are divided into sectors,each assigned to a teacher and some students who would

3 3

motivate the family members on a regular and sustained basis.With the support of other local. partners, such as the unionchairman, DPHE engineer, practically whole villages haveadopted safe disposal of human faeces, and people practiceproper hand washing practices.

With the large number of personal and group contacts as well asthrough other channels to interact with the community members, thededicated NGO field staff are in a most advantageous position tomotivate family members for behavioural change. Intensifyingsanitation and hygiene education will add a new dimension to theexisting mandate of many NGOs. The task is vital and challenging.If the NGOs do not take up the challenge and assist in redrawingthe sanitation map of Bangladesh, who will?

36

FROM THE FLOOR

From the floor Director of NGO Forum Mr. S.M.A. Rashid opined thatthe N-brth-South assistance was very much needed. Mut before that itneeded mutual understanding among the forces in South itself, andin that regard some measures should be taken up. Along with this hesaid that environment was not confined within limits to any area.It was spread in the whole universe. But though it needed to takenecessary measures at the local and national leve1s. In response tothe comment of Mr. Rashid, Dr. Saleemul Huq said that theimportance of south-south cooperation was undeniable. But the worldsituation was different. He said that it was more easy tocommunicate with the countries of North rather than of South justbecause of geographical stand. To reach to the latin Americancountries people needed to go to New York or London, the northernpart. He also said that the South could not go beyond the povertyeven if there was no Global forum for environment and poverty.Though poverty was not the only problem in South, it appeared inNorth also. He opined that Bangladesh was not liable for thecrucial danger of the world environment.

Mr. Ali Azam of Department of Public Health and Engineeringarticulated that if Farakka was used as political issue then theSAARC might break down. The Farakka problems could be used asenvironment issue side by side he raised a question on using bannedpesticides produced in Holland. Although in Holland use of thesepesticides were banned but the production of those were not banned.If the < discussion on north-south* took place keeping aside theseissues it would not bring much fruit. Mutual understanding onenvironment needed to be thought, he added.

Dr. Saleemul Huq said that the NGOs have been maintaining thecommunication both with North and South regarding environment. Inthis situation if the academic community agreed with this matterthan easy result could come out from that. NGO Forum was not onlyworking on the quantity of water but also on water quality. Therational people did not want only the Farakka problems to be solvedfor bringing brought good result for Bangladesh only but theproblems of India should also be thought, because they have alsosome regional problems. In response to a question of Mr. MazharulIslam, Dr. Hoque answered that Bangladesh did not produce CFC butsome companies imported that from abroad to manufacture mosquito

.1 7

killers and for other reasons. In response to a ciuestion by 'Mr.Mahfuzul Hoque of Department of Public Health and Engineers, Dr.Saleemul Huq informed that the National Management was working onthe Action Plan. And because of that public awareness hadincreased. Public had heard about the environment destruction. Inthis same discussion Mr. Zia-Us-Sabur and Mr. Enamul Hoque Mondalof NGO Forum and Mr. Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan of PROSHIKAparticipated.

the North-Southassistance wasvery muchneeded. Butbefore that itneeded mutualunderstandingamong theforces in southitself, and inthat regardsome measuresshould be takenup.

The part icipants of the Seminar are seen,

I

38

WINDING-UP SPEECH

In the winding up speech Director of.NGO Forum Mr. S.M.A. Rash idthanking the participants for attending at the Seminar said thatthe learnings of the Seminar will play a precious role to developfuture programme on water and sanitation and above all onenvironment. Discussion on human and water resource management hadreceived due importance in the Seminar. Public health managementissue was also discussed. The objective of the World Day for Waterwas to ensure the environmental equilibrium and better health byfocusing on specific action plan. It had been understood thatresource allocation should be increased in public healthmanagement.

He articulated the importance of inter-agency collaboration inexpediting the success.

He added that thoughtful planning needed to be formulated. He saidthat NGO Forum would like to extend multi-dimensional WATSAN andenvironment related activities all over the country. He soughtcooperation from all corners in this regard.

He again thanked the participants and the SPARRSO authorities fortheir whole hearted cooperation for making the Seminar success.

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

si.# Name Designation Organization & Address

01. Mr. A.K.M. Nashirul Huq

02. Mr. Md. Fazlul Huq

03. Mr. Kazi Ali Azam

04. Mr. Munir Panna.

05. Dr. Md. Ali Bhuiyan

06. Mr. M. Nokul

07. Mr. M.H. Bhuiyan

08. Mr. N.C. Shii

09. Mr. Harunur Rashid

10. Mr. Moniruzzaman

11. Mr. Jennifer Topping

12. Mr. Abdus Samad Mai lick

13. Ms. Jahanara Sadeque

14. Mr. Philip Wan

15. Mr. H. Rashid

16. Mr. Alex Redekopp

17. Mr.Sk.Abu Jafar Shamsuddin

IS. Mr. Dawood Farhan

19. Dr. D.A. Quadir

20. Dr. A.M.S. Hoque

21. Mr. M. Mofazzal Hoque

22. Dr. Saleemul Huq

23. Ahmed Mofazzal Huq

24. Dr. Qazi Faruque Ahmed

25. Mr. Md. Yakub Hossutn

PS to Minister

PPC

Executive Engineer

Reporter

Asst. Professor

Eva. & Monitoring Off.

Programme Coordinator

Asst. NeWs Controller

Programme Administrator

Programme Dev. Officer

Asst. Resident Rep.

General Manager

Dy. Director (Admin.)

Chief, WES Section

Consultant

WHO Sanitary Engineer

NCO RWSG-SA

Development Officer

Chief Scientific Officer

Project Director (SOCMQB)

NFPO

Executive Director

Executive Engineer

Execut i ve Di rector

Dy. Director

Ministry of Env.&Forest

Proshika. Dhaka

DPHE. Kushtia

The Bhorer Kagoj

BUET

CHOP

Proshika-MUK

Radio Bangladesh

Save the Children - USA

CARE Bangladesh

UNDP

PKSF

BWHC

IJNICEF

LWDP-World Bank

WHO

World Bank

Australian High Comnii .

SPARRSO

!.)PHt:

WHO

BCHS

DPHE

[si26.

21.

29.

30.

31.

32.

}3.

34.

35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.

47.

48.

49.

50.

51.

52.

.#

Dr.

Ms.

.Ms.

Ms.

Ms.

Mr.

Mr.

Mr.

Mr.

Dr.

Dr.

Mr.

Mr.

Mr.

Ms.

Mr.

Mr.

Mr.

Mr.

Mr.

Dr.

Mr.

Mr.

Dr.

Mr.

Mr.

Name

M.M. Rahman

Lisa Pholmann

Nuzhat Shahazadi

Yasmin Ahmed

Rummana J. Taher

GJaysius .Milar Khan

Benedict Poresh Sardar

Md. ObaiduJ Quadir

Bayazid Milky

Rokeya Khanam

Sazzad Hossain

S.A. Karim

A. Hannan Sk.

Selim Omrao Khan

Samia Ahmed

Rashidul Islam

Md. Nazrul Islam

Nurul Islam

S. Rahman

Muktaruzzaman

Pearl Veronica Anthony

Shafiqul Islam

Shamsuzzaman

Sayyadul Arafin

Mo 11ah Amzad Hossain

Salahuddin Lavloo

Designation Organization K- Address

Donor Liaison Officer

Consultant

Head

Pr< >gramnie Adm i n i s t ra t p v

Communications Manager

Programme Leader

Principal Scientific Off

Reporter

Communication Adviser

Professor

Sr. Programme Officer

Research Associate

Reporter

Programme Assistant

Staff Reporter

Administrative Officer

Reporter

Journalist

Project Officer

Programme Officer,Health

PRO to Minister

Executive

Chief Scientific Officer

Staff Reporter

Executive

'WFP. Dhaka

BRAC

UNI OIF. Dhaka

NOVIB Cons. Bureau

MC< Bangladesh

RDRS

MCC

SPARRSO

1.7NB

JSI/USAID

Dhaka University

SDC

CWCD

Bichitra

Terre-Des-Hommes (N)

Sakaler Khabar

Rabita Bangladesh

The Morning Sun

The Bhorer Kagoj

Ministry of Agriculture

CCDB

Ministry of Env.i-Forest

UNAB

B.desh Petroleum Inst.

The Banglabazar Patrika

Stride

41

[si53.

54.

55.

56.

57.

58.

59.

60.

61.

62.

63.

64.

65.

66.

67.

68.

69.

70.

71.

"3.

74.

75.

76.

77.

78.

. # Name

Mr. Corinne Hinbpen

Mr. Muksudul Haider Chow.

Dr. Malejasul Huq

Mr. Nair Mahmud

Mr. Ziaur Rahman

Dr. Rezaur Rahman

Ms. Rashida Kanchwala

Mr. Rafiqul Islam Khan

Dr. A.A.Z. Ahmed

Mr. Mark Goldring

Ms. Selina Shelley

Mr. A. Muqueet

Mr. Serajuddin

Mr. Reazuddin

Mr. Mazedul Islam Azad

Mr. Masood Kamal

Mr. Md. Abu

Mr. Shimul Mahmood

Dr. Bilqis Amin Hoque

Mr. Md. Shafiqul Islam

Dr. M.I. Talukdar

Mr. Rejoanul Haq Raja

•. Mr. M.A. Kar i m

Mr. Abu Raihan-Al-Beroonee

Mr, Akliter Ahnujd Fnrouk

Mr. M.S. Alamgir

Designation

Hygiene Edn. Consultant

Senior Reporter

Cha i rman

TV Representative

Sr. Staff Correspondent

Asst. Professor

Ex. Information Officer

Training Coordinator

Chairman

Representative

Programme Officer

Chief Engineer

Executive Engineer

Reporter

Correspondent

Reporter

TV Representative

Reporter

Coordinator

-

Divisional Chief

Staff Reporter

APO

Associate Prog. Officer

Staff Reporter

Reporter

Organization & Address

DPHE (Dutch Project)

The Ajker Kagoj

Society for SRAVAN

BTV

Daily Financial Exp.

IFCDR, BUET

NGO Forum

DPC

SPAFRSO

OXFAM

TTG Bangladesh

Dhaka WASA

Dhaka WASA

The Daily Star

The Daily Financial Exp

The Daily Jana Kantho

BTV

Bangladesh Patrika

ICDDR.B

1CDDK.B

PI arm ing Commission. W B

The Daily Sangbad

NGO Forum - Faridpur

NGO Forum - Comilla

Dai ly Nanyimd i'at tra

Weekly Juno Phohoney

42

|S1.

79.

SO.

81.

82.

S3,

84.

85.

86.

87.

88.

Mr.

Mr.

Mr.

Dr.

Mr.

Mr.

Mr.

Mr.

Mr.

Mr.

Name

Paritosh Sarker

Anup Kumar Sarker

Ziaul Haque

M. Feroze Ahmed

Kama 1 Nas if

Enamul Haq Mandal

Mokhlesur Rahman

Azahar Aii Pramanik

Suzauddoula

Yearninul Islam

Designat ion organization & Address

Asst. Programme Officer

Asst. Programme Officer

Asst. Programme Officer

Professor

Senior Sub-Editor

Programme Officer

Asso. Programme Officer

Programme Officer

Asst. Programme Officer

Asso. Programme Officer

XGO Forum - Sylhet

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BUET

The Dai iy Star

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