Decentralised domestic wastewater and faecal sludge management in Bangladesh.

Abstract

This report documents the findings from research activities undertaken in Bangladesh. The aim of the research was to analyse decentralised approaches towards wastewater and faecal sludge management in Bangladesh and to assess the impacts of these schemes at the local level and their potential implications at the policy level. The research focused on the experiences from two initiatives (one in Dhaka and one in Khulna) to gain a greater insight into key features of decentralisation related to:

i. Participatory planning and community involvement in decision-making.
ii. Decentralised management arrangements for operation and maintenance.
iii. Application and operation of decentralised technologies.
iv. Financing arrangements and economics of decentralised initiatives.

Initially, the study set out to review existing policy and practices related to wastewater management in Bangladesh and to consider the potential opportunities and constraints for decentralisation. Subsequently, in relation to the case studies, more in-depth research activities were undertaken to assess the technologies and their operation, management arrangements, financial and economic aspects, and perceptions from local stakeholders of the relative merits of these systems. In addition to a collation of technical data, the research activities included workshops, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with a range of local stakeholders.

Citation

44 pp.

Decentralised domestic wastewater and faecal sludge management in Bangladesh.

Updates to this page

Published 1 January 2005