Photo: BSS

KHULNA, May 4, 2026 (BSS) - Administrator of Khulna City Corporation Nazrul 
Islam Manju today said although water supply operations in the metropolis are 
being managed by Khulna WASA, its services have yet to reach all areas, 
particularly low-income settlements where residents continue to face an acute 
shortage of safe drinking water.

"To address the crisis of safe drinking water, various initiatives are being 
undertaken," he said while speaking as the chief guest at the inception 
workshop on installation of wastewater treatment plants in low-income 
communities of Khulna city.

The workshop was held at Shaheed Altaf Auditorium of Nagar Bhaban under the 
"Bangladesh Climate Resilient Sustainable Water Supply, Sanitation and 
Hygiene" project being implemented by the Department of Public Health 
Engineering with financial assistance from UNICEF.

The project aims to establish an inclusive citywide sanitation system and is 
being implemented in the low-income areas of Bastuhara, Rupsha Char, 
Greenland and Montur Colony in Khulna metropolis.

Addressing the function, the KCC administrator stressed the need for 
establishing a water treatment plant centering the Mayur River, saying 
sufferings of city dwellers would continue unless the river is protected.

He urged a Netherlands-based donor agency to support modernisation of the 
Mayur River and transform it into a tourist attraction.

He also said KCC would work jointly with public and private hospitals and 
clinics to further modernise medical waste management.

The meeting was informed that around 47 percent of human waste in the project 
areas is being discharged into drains or surface water bodies due to 
dysfunctional or abandoned shared toilets and lack of awareness among 
residents.

It was also noted that inadequate sewerage facilities in the selected areas 
have limited opportunities for proper disposal of human and other waste, 
while severe space constraints are creating serious health risks.

Under the project, climate-resilient sanitation systems and effective waste 
treatment and disposal mechanisms will be introduced on a priority basis for 
vulnerable communities to ensure 100 percent safe sanitation, reduce 
environmental pollution and protect public health and water bodies.

Initially, 10 additional water treatment plants will be installed in the 
project areas. Support will also be provided to strengthen KCC's capacity for 
operating and maintaining water treatment plants and medical waste management 
systems, alongside establishment and operation of a child welfare centre.

Two water treatment plants have already been constructed in the Bastuhara 
area under the project. Treated water supplied by Khulna WASA is being 
distributed safely to residents. Consumers are able to collect water using 
prepaid cards or through ATM booth operators at a cost of 60 paisa per litre.

Chief Executive Officer of KCC Rajib Ahmed chaired the workshop.

First Secretary of the Embassy of the Netherlands Igne Kassen and Deputy 
Country Director of UNICEF Peter Maas addressed the event as special guests.

Among others, Managing Director of Khulna WASA Muhammad Kamruzzaman, Director 
of Health Dr Md Mujibur Rahman, Managing Director of Gazi Medical College Dr 
Gazi Mizanur Rahman, Professor of Environmental Science Discipline at Khulna 
University Dr Nazia Hasan, Superintendent of Khulna Medical College Hospital 
Dr Md Akhteruzzaman, Civil Surgeon Dr Mosammat Mahfuza Khanam and officials 
from different government and non-government organisations attended the 
workshop.