"I used to have to fetch drinking water for my family. For that, I had to walk a long distance," said Sabita Biswas, a homemaker residing in Chila union of Mongla upazila. "Since the installation of the rainwater tank, life has become considerably easier. I now save rainwater whenever it pours."
Sabita, like numerous others in the coastal region of Mongla upazila, grapples with the twin challenges of water scarcity and climate change. Issues such as the scarcity of safe drinking water, health concerns, and income loss are daily realities for these victims of climate change.
The introduction of the rainwater harvesting system (RWHS) has been a game-changer for vulnerable communities in Mongla upazila.
Brac, in collaboration with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has installed distinctive pink water tanks in households and schools, enabling the collection of rainwater for safe drinking.
In Mongla, Brac has successfully installed 4,200 household-based RWHS tanks, each with a capacity of 2,000 litres.
Moreover, community-based water tanks have been established where residents can purchase safe drinking water at an affordable price of just Tk1 per litre.
Sabita Biswas demonstrated to this correspondent how to operate the tank for storing rainwater.
A plastic cover is suspended on a square frame made of bamboo in four corners to collect rainwater. A pipe under the plastic cover is connected to the tank to channel the water. There is also a filter inside the tank to purify the rainwater.
"I simply open and pull the ropes hanging from the four bamboo poles, and that's all it takes. We paid Tk2,500 for the installation of this tank," explained Sabita.
Through innovative initiatives and community engagement, the program titled "Enhancing Safe Drinking Water Security and Climate Resilience through Rainwater Harvesting" is not only transforming lives but also confronting the climate crisis head-on.
Community-based water supply
One of the most interesting initiatives is the opportunity to purchase safe drinking water at an affordable price, just Tk1 per litre.
The SetuBondhon Samabay Samity, a community-based enterprise entirely managed by a team of women, provides safe drinking water to the local populace.
Shipra Halder, president of the SetuBondhon Samabay Samity, said: "We have 25 customers to whom we provide water at subsidized rates. We conduct sales once a week. Given the severe scarcity of safe drinking water in our area, this initiative is crucial."
She said: "Brac has invested Tk6,50,000 for this committee. The tanks were installed in August 2023, and since then, we have already sold some water."
SetuBondhon Samabay Samity is one of 29 Water Management Committees (WMCs), which have been formed to ensure community engagement and the sustainability of interventions.
Additionally, six climate youth groups from six unions of Mongla have been empowered to serve as climate ambassadors.
Challenges and resilience
Despite the progress, challenges persist. Shankari Roy, the caretaker of the community committee, emphasized their commitment to overcoming obstacles and fostering development in their area.
At Chandpai Mesershah Secondary School, rainwater harvesting has been implemented with the installation of two large water tanks, each with a capacity of 2,000 litres.
A student, Nafisa Akter Raisa attributed health issues like hair fall and skin diseases to climate change, emphasizing the urgency of addressing environmental concerns.
Grade 10 student Sabrina Tabassum Saba said: “As we all know, we, the Mongla people here are sufferers of climate change. We used to collect water in pots to purify them. We used to use Fitkari to purify water. When we had collected rain water it was from a rooftop made of tin. Many times, the rooftops are covered with rust which is injurious to our health. Besides rain water we used to save for the rest of the summer days. It causes a lack of water in our body as we had to save it. We used to drink less. I faced dehydration.”
Nafisa Hossain, another 10th-grade student, shared her experience, said: "Water is essential for life, constituting 70% of our bodies. However, in our area, saline water poses significant challenges.”
She expressed gratitude for Brac's assistance in providing clean drinking water, highlighting its significance in improving their quality of life and education.
