In pursuit of advancing effective sanitation, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has initiated the Inclusive and Integrated Sanitation and Hygiene Project in 10 Priority Towns in Bangladesh (abbreviated as the LLF 10 Towns Project). Recognizing the need for context-specific solutions, cities are actively seeking to adopt strategies from regions with similar geophysical and socioeconomic conditions. To facilitate this objective, ITN-BUET and Environment and Public Health Organisation (ENPHO) jointly organized ‘Nepal Sanitation Tour-Exploring Sanitation Initiatives in Nepal’ from 10-14 February 2025. 26 participants from Bangladesh attended the learning visit including officials and engineers from the Ministry, Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), several Paurashavas and city corporation.
The tour aimed to familiarize participants with diverse sanitation initiatives through site visits and interactive sessions, enabling them to explore various approaches, key strategies, and potential replication opportunities. The goal is to facilitate knowledge exchange and promote the practical application of successful sanitation practices. Participants explored sanitation interventions in various locations including Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant, Lubhu of Mahalaxmi Municipality, Aerosan Public Toilet, Patan; Guheswori Wastewater Treatment Plant, Kathmandu; Wastewater Treatment at Waterfront Resort, Pokhara; Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant, Waling Municipality. Participants enriched their understanding of sustainable sanitation practices through discussions with Municipal officials of Waling Municipality and Mahalaxmi Municipality. The sanitation tour empowered participants with the knowledge and inspiration to bring positive changes in their areas.
Mr. Md. Samsul Alam, Chief Executive Officer of Cumilla City Corporation said “I sincerely thank ITN-BUET and ENPHO for organizing the Nepal Sanitation Tour. The overall journey was smooth and highly informative. The insights gained will be valuable for implementing similar interventions under the LLF 10 towns project in Cumilla City Corporation”.
Ms. Dilruba Farzana, Deputy Project Director of 10 Towns Project, DPHE said “Waling Municipality has demonstrated exceptional efforts in sanitation despite geographical challenges”. In addition, she praised women’s leadership in Waling Municipality that can advocate for greater involvement of women in decision-making roles in the LLF 10 Towns Project”.
Mr. Subrata Paul, Training Specialist of ITN-BUET, who coordinated the tour from Bangladesh, shared, “This experience will be invaluable in synthesizing case studies, best practices, and lessons learned for developing professional curricula”.
Mr. Md Habibur Rahman, WASH Specialist, IsDB mentioned, “As the key funder of the LLF 10 Towns Project, the Islamic Development Bank is committed to strengthening sustainable and inclusive sanitation solutions in Bangladesh. This learning visit has provided valuable insights into sustainable sanitation management, the design-build-operate (DBO) model, cross subsidy and clear political commitment for long-term functionality and the vital role of women in WASH services”.
The tour not only enhanced participants’ understanding of practical sanitation solutions but also empowered them with the knowledge and inspiration to bring positive change in the project towns. The lessons learned during this exchange are expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of sanitation interventions in Bangladesh.
