BMDF, Water.org partner to enhance water, sanitation access in Bangladesh
The initiative is expected to mobilise $20m in funding
The Bangladesh Municipal Development Fund (BMDF) and Water.org have signed a memorandum of understanding to improve water and sanitation infrastructure across the key city corporations and municipalities in Bangladesh.
The partnership leverages BMDF's urban infrastructure portfolio and Water.org's global technical expertise on the water and sanitation sector to create sustainable and scalable impact, according to a press release.
The initiative is expected to mobilise around $20 million in funding to facilitate the development of bankable water and sanitation infrastructure projects across relevant urban local bodies.
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Water.org will provide technical assistance to BMDF with a view to strengthening the capacity of relevant stakeholders to design and implement viable sanitation and water supply initiatives, integrating climate considerations, and minimising environmental footprints.
Water.org support is also expected to strengthen BMDF capacity to avail of funds from international DFI partners such as the World Bank and Agence Française de Dévelopment.
Furthermore, Water.org support will help with private capital mobilisation at the municipality level after DFI funding is secured and allocated to appropriate municipal-level projects, said the release.
Md Nizam Uddin, chairman of board of directors at BMDF and secretary, Local Government Division, said, "This partnership is a significant step toward improving safe water and sanitation systems in Bangladesh's urban areas. BMDF and Water.org will work together to achieve this goal."
AKM Tariqul Alam, managing director of BMDF, said, "This partnership will support municipalities in financing and executing impactful WASH projects, contributing to urban resilience and public health."
Sajid Amit, executive director, South Asia, Water.org, added, "Water.org is committed to supporting BMDF in unlocking finance and expertise to enhance access to safe water and sanitation in urban Bangladesh."
