Patuakhali reborn from waterlogged town to climate-smart model
This transformation goes beyond infrastructure – it has tangibly improved the lives of the city’s residents.
A decade ago, Patuakhali was a town submerged each monsoon. Mud, overflowing drains, and treacherous walkways were part of daily life. Even a light shower could bring knee-deep water to the streets, paralysing traffic and disrupting routines.
Today, however, Patuakhali feels reborn. Streets are clean and paved, rainwater drains swiftly, and dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists ensure safety. This transformation goes beyond infrastructure – it has tangibly improved the lives of the city's residents.
In the heart of the town, Laisu and his wife have been selling coconuts for the past seven to eight years. "Earlier, it was very difficult to sell coconuts during the rainy season because of mud and water. Now, with new roads and more foot traffic, sales have multiplied, and running our household has become much easier," he said.
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Their story reflects a wider trend – small businesses across Patuakhali have flourished alongside the town's infrastructure upgrades.
Sustainable development in action
Behind this transformation lies the Coastal Towns Environmental Infrastructure Project (CTEIP), a decade-long initiative implemented jointly by the Asian Development Bank and Bangladesh.
Bangladesh's southern coastal regions face frequent natural challenges: cyclones, flooding, heavy rainfall, and salinity intrusion. A 2011 survey found that nearly 60% of coastal town areas remained waterlogged for 5-7 days during seasonal rains. Weak drainage, high water salinity, and limited access to safe water compounded the problem.
In response, CTEIP was launched in 2014. Although the Covid-19 pandemic caused some delays, the Local Government Engineering Department successfully led the project. Its main goal: establish climate-resilient municipal infrastructure while improving citizens' quality of life.
Bringing visible change
The project has constructed climate-resilient roads, sidewalks, street beautification, lighting, and improved sanitation systems.
The total cost was $103.39 million, with ADB contributing $85.91 million and the Bangladesh government $16.01 million. Additional support came from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Strategic Climate Fund, and USCIRTF.
CTEIP has delivered tangible improvements in eight coastal towns, including roads, drainage, water supply, sanitation, cyclone shelters, markets, bridges, waste management, and slum upgrading. Among these, Patuakhali Municipality stands out, with an investment of approximately Tk55.7 crore.
The project built 33.33 km of roads and 12.25 km of drains using climate-resilient designs. Roads were elevated above flood levels, made from durable materials, and designed to withstand projected climate impacts over the next 50 years. Uniblock technology, which uses river sand, minimises pollution and reduces maintenance costs.
Revolutionary drainage system
A comprehensive drainage master plan ensures rapid rainwater removal. The municipality now maintains the system independently. Waterlogging has decreased by over 70%, and previously flood-prone areas now drain within hours. Consequently, dengue and other waterborne diseases have significantly declined.
Various canals and ponds were dredged to manage monsoon floods and maintain water levels year-round, helping regulate local temperatures. Many families now use this water for small-scale fish farming, increasing income and nutrition.
Strengthening governance and economic growth
CTEIP has also enhanced local governance. Revenue collection in Patuakhali municipality rose from 60% to 95%, supported by digital billing, online tax payments, and citizen participation mechanisms. The municipality now maintains roads, clears drains, and manages canals independently – laying the foundation for long-term sustainable development.
Residents clearly feel the impact. Selina Begum, a local resident, says, "Earlier, even a little rain would flood the streets. Now the city is clean; girls can walk safely, and children can go to school. That is the biggest change."
ADB officials report a 76.7% reduction in waterborne diseases and a drop in diarrhoea cases from 9% to 2.1%. Reduced waterlogging has increased working hours, minimised property damage, and raised average household income from Tk15,800 to Tk20,685, a 30.9% increase.
Continuing the success
Inspired by CTEIP's achievements, LGED has launched the Coastal Towns Climate Resilience Project (CTCRP), aiming to establish climate-resilient infrastructure in 22 coastal towns with a $250 million budget. Plans also include the Cluster Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project (2027) to ensure safe water, modern sanitation, and efficient waste management.
ADB Country Director Hoe Yun Jeong personally visited the project sites. He said that Bangladesh's coastal regions are highly vulnerable to climate change. ADB is proud to support these towns, and the projects have positively impacted residents' lives and local economies.
He added, "Small investments can create significant development. Urban development projects follow an integrated approach, ensuring economic and social progress simultaneously. The Coastal Towns Climate Resilience Improvement Projects play a crucial role in addressing salinity and climate risks. ADB will continue to focus on small coastal projects in the future."
Patuakhali can be a model of sustainable development for the country. Experts warn that climate risks will intensify in the future, with rising temperatures, sea levels, and cyclones. Therefore, sustainable infrastructure and climate-resilient urban planning are essential.
