The SMILE project, funded by Chevron Bangladesh and implemented by Swisscontact Bangladesh, officially handed over 530 pieces of waste bins and 60 pieces of non-automated collection vans to the Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) On Monday.
The event marked a significant milestone in the city's ongoing efforts to improve waste management, enhance environmental sustainability, and provide new livelihood opportunities.
The SMILE project aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of waste management in SCC through strategic synergy.
Through the provision of dedicated waste collection vans, tasked with servicing waste bins distributed across wards 5, 6, and 35, this intervention is expected to directly benefit approximately 25,000 households, as well as marketplaces, schools, colleges, hospitals, and the community, laying the foundation for a sustainable business model for the SCC.
The ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including Abu Ahmed Siddique, NDC, administrator (Additional Responsibility), Sylhet City Corporation and additional secretary to the government of Bangladesh, divisional commissioner, Sylhet Division, Md Iftikher Ahmed Chowdhury, chief executive officer of Sylhet City Corporation, Muhammad Imrul Kabir, director of corporate affairs, Chevron Bangladesh, Khondoker Tusherujjaman, manager, Community Engagement and Social Investment, Lt Col (retd) Mohammad Aklem Abden, chief waste management officer, Sylhet City Corporation, Md Makbul Hossain, team leader, SMILE project, Swisscontact, and local community leaders.
The event emphasized the partnership between Chevron, SCC, and Swisscontact, highlighting how this initiative aims to promote a cleaner Sylhet while creating income opportunities for residents.
Chevron’s corporate affairs director said: “By working closely with Sylhet City Corporation, we are taking meaningful steps towards achieving a greener, more sustainable city. This initiative serves as a model that can be replicated across other wards, promoting economic opportunities through waste management.”
administrator, SCC, added: “This partnership is a significant move towards not only keeping our city clean but also providing economic opportunities for residents. With the provision of these bins and collection vans, we are better equipped to manage the waste generated by our growing population.”
With the success of this project, Sylhet City Corporation aims to expand the initiative and continue improving waste management practices. The SMILE team will work closely with SCC to monitor the program’s progress and explore further opportunities for replication.
