Multi-sector Project for Basic Services in Rural Areas

The Government of Bangladesh is seeking to find new and innovative ways to provide basic services to poor and marginalized citizens of the country. It has established the Social Development Foundation (SDF), an independent non-profit company, to pilot new approaches to service delivery and to ensure that these programs reach the areas that are most needy. The SDF is interested in piloting OBA for the delivery of electricity and water through small scale networks, as well as for the delivery of social services. In the case of water, it is hoped that the development of small scale water networks will reduce the reliance on hand-pumps which draw water from arsenic-contaminated aquifers. GPOBA funds will assist the SDF in identifying and preparing pilot projects for providing electricity and water services to poor populations.

Under Implementation.
 

The project has completed a review of rural piped water systems implemented by small scale private providers including: NGOs, cooperatives and micro finance institutions. This initial work has developed guidelines and tools for private sponsors to prepare, implement and manage piped water supply in rural areas and has helped to construct business plan formats for tariff setting and cost recovery. At present, seven private sponsors have prepared detailed proposals for financing and implementing rural piped water schemes and three have already signed Agreements for implementation.

Assist in the identification and preparation of pilot schemes for electricity and water.

The Social Development Foundation (TA funds)

Meena M. Munshi [3]