Eight wash blocks have been launched for Dhaka citizens, especially for the families of waste workers living in the low-income settlements of the capital.
Dewan Abdul Mannan, councillor of ward No 11 under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), inaugurated the wash blocks on Thursday as a part of observing this year’s World Toilet Day.
Supported by the Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), Brac Urban Development Program (UDP) constructed the sanitation facilities as part of the Bandhan project which aims to develop a model for safe life and livelihood of waste workers in the capital.
Aiming to improve the living standard of waste workers, the project will also develop a knowledge hub for policy advocacy.
Each wash block has a water reservoir and motor-pump to ensure uninterrupted water supply. Soap bars, hand-washing stands and disabled-friendly facilities, including holding bars and staircases to climb, have also been added to the wash blocks.
DNCC Councillor Dewan Abdul Mannan said: “Our country has made much progress in the sanitation system. However, there is still a lot of scope to improve sanitation facilities in the slums. Construction of these wash blocks will undoubtedly reduce the problems of waste workers.”
Farah Sharmeen, country representative (communication and public relations) of Coca-Cola Bangladesh Ltd, said: “We are very glad to be a part of such a noble initiative and bring positive impact on the lives of the waste workers whose role is vital in society.”
Brac UDP Associate Director Md Abdus Salam said waste workers living in the low-income neighbourhoods lack access to basic services of safe drinking water and sanitation, health and education.
Supported by TCCF, Brac UDP began implementation of a pilot titled Bandhan in January to improve the wellbeing of waste workers in 13 low-income communities in Dhaka city.
The project is working in the low-income neighbourhoods to increase community level awareness including that of the children of waste workers, organise health camps, construct wash blocks and distribute personal protective equipment for the family members of waste workers.
Under the Bandhan project, more than 3,500 waste workers have been benefited through various initiatives.