Dutch envoy sees PPP as key to safe water access in Bangladesh

Bangladesh and the Netherlands can expand access to safe drinking water, particularly in climate-vulnerable communities, through public-private partnerships, Dutch Ambassador Joris Van Bommel has said.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists during a visit to Max Foundation’s Building Water Business programme at Dudholmou in Bakerganj, Barishal, on Thursday.

During the visit, the ambassador observed smart, low-maintenance piped water systems integrated with digital payment solutions. The systems are designed to ensure efficient operations, transparent revenue collection and financially sustainable water services in climate-vulnerable areas.

“Water, delta, sea and rivers provide a strong basis for cooperation between the Netherlands and Bangladesh,” Van Bommel said, stressing that water cooperation must also ensure access to safe drinking water for all.

He said his visit, alongside representatives of Max Foundation and Max Social Enterprise, focused on addressing the “last mile” of water connectivity so that households could have piped water directly at home.

Access to tap water, he noted, is important not only for improving water quality but also for reducing the burden on women and girls, who often have to travel long distances to collect water.

The ambassador said the experience in Barishal demonstrated that sustainable water services could be developed through cooperation among the government, private sector and local communities.

“We sincerely believe that this is a sustainable solution to make sure that every household in Bangladesh gets access to water at home, while keeping it affordable through a public-private partnership,” he said.

Van Bommel also expressed satisfaction at seeing Dutch and Bangladeshi organisations working together to improve access to safe water.

“We can make a difference if we work together with companies and communities,” he said.

Max Foundation Founder and Director Joke Le Poole said the organisation began working in Bangladesh more than two decades ago, initially focusing on water, sanitation and hygiene as essential measures to prevent child deaths.

The organisation chose Bangladesh because of its high needs and population density and initially started its work in Barishal by installing water wells. Many of those wells, she said, remain functional even after 15 to 20 years.

As household incomes improved, however, communities increasingly sought better and more convenient access to water, Le Poole said. Piped water at home can provide significant health benefits, while communities are increasingly willing to pay for reliable services, she added.

Max Foundation Bangladesh and Nepal Country Director Dr ATM Tariqul Islam said Max Foundation and Max Social Enterprise had developed a business-based model for supplying piped drinking water in Barishal and Patuakhali.

Unlike aid- or donation-dependent projects, the model operates through a market-based approach, with customers paying monthly for the water they receive.

The initiative has so far established around 100 water grids, while solar power and automation are gradually being introduced to reduce operating costs and improve financial sustainability, he said.

According to Dr Tariqul, improved access to piped water has also contributed to reductions in skin and stomach-related diseases. Women, meanwhile, are benefiting from shorter distances to collect water and improved access to household bathrooms and washing facilities.

Dutch Embassy First Secretary (Water and Climate) Klaassen Inge, Senior Financial Advisor Aminul Islam and Max Social Enterprise Managing Director Yameen Farook were also present during the visit.