Photo : BSS

KHULNA, April 20, 2025 (BSS) - Coastal residents often struggle to collect safe water, facing severe shortage of safe water for nearly half of the year and Khulna, in particular, suffers from multiple water availability challenges.

Joint Secretary of the Local Government Division Mohammad Saiful Islam who is also the Project Director of the “Safe Pani District Model Pilot Project,” called upon all concerned to be more committed and responsible in implementing the project.

“The project aims to ensure the supply of safe water in all schools, madrasas, and healthcare centers within the project area,” Mohammad Saiful Islam said while speaking as the chief guest today at a meeting of the District Working Group and relevant stakeholders under the “Safe Pani District Model Pilot Project,” held at the Khulna Circuit House conference room.

Through this initiative, the health and overall quality of life of service-recipients across all unions of Khulna district will be improved. 

He also emphasized the need for collective efforts in preventing water pollution, noting that just as human life must be kept safe, so water sources also.

Khulna deputy commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam presided over the meeting. Among others, deputy secretary of the Local Government Division Suye Men Jo and Khulna Civil Surgeon Dr. Mahfuza Khatun, addressed the event. 

Acting Deputy Director of the Local Government Department at the Deputy Commissioner’s office Bitan Kumar Mondal, delivered the welcome speech.

The initiative will be implemented across 68 unions and 2 municipalities in 9 upazilas of Khulna, covering a total of 1,174 institutions.

The project is scheduled to conclude in December 2030, with an estimated cost of Taka 22.71 crore. Of this, Taka 11.36 crore will come from government funding, while the remaining Taka 11.35 crore will be sourced from foreign grants.

Officials of various government departments, UNOs, District and Upazila Education Officers, media representatives, and school and madrasa teachers, among others, attended the meeting.