Administrator of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Md. Firoz Sarkar today spoke at Shaheed Altaf Auditorium in Nagar Bhaban. Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Sept 17, 2025 (BSS) – Administrator of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Md. Firoz Sarkar has underscored the need to strengthen and improve sanitation systems in line with the country’s growing population and increasing number of patients.
He made the remarks this afternoon while addressing an introductory session on the project titled “Climate Smart WASH System in Khulna City Corporation” at Shaheed Altaf Auditorium in Nagar Bhaban. 

With financial and technical support from UNICEF, KCC and Khulna WASA will jointly implement the project.

Highlighting the importance of proper feasibility studies and continuous monitoring for the successful implementation of such projects, the administrator called for reducing plastic usage and stressed the importance of segregating medical waste, noting that improper mixing of patient-use waste with hazardous medical waste remains a challenge. 
Training for nurses and cleaners, will be key to ensuring project success, he said.

Speakers at the event noted that climate change, salinity intrusion, and natural disasters are reducing agricultural productivity, forcing many from rural and coastal areas to migrate to Khulna city. 
Many migrants settle in slums with limited access to drainage, safe drinking water, sanitation, healthcare, and education—exposing women and children in particular to waterborne diseases, skin conditions, respiratory problems, and reproductive health issues.

The project aims to improve access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene services for slum residents. Initiatives include installing water ATM booths, setting up water treatment facilities, and establishing medical waste management centers—expected to benefit around 80,000 people.

KCC Acting Chief Executive Officer Sharif Asif Rahman Presdided over the session while KCC Chief Engineer Moshiuzzaman Khan, Chief Revenue Officer Rahima Sultana Bushra, Chief Waste Management Officer and Executive Magistrate Kohinur, Khulna WASA Deputy Managing Director Jhumur Bala, UNICEF Khulna Division Head Md. Kawsar Hossain, project advisor engineer Md. Abdul Aziz, WASH Officer Ashfaqur Rahman Sajib, among others, were present on the occasion.