Execution of Blue Network Programme

At a time when Dhaka City's liveability is increasingly becoming suspect, the interim government has come up with an ambitious mega project called the Blue Network Programme under which the urban water infrastructure in and around the megalopolis will be restored. All water channels such as rivers, canals and sewerage system will be integrated in order to ensure water security, flood control and sanitation. Given the total cost of the programme at $8.5 billion and implementable between 2026 and 2040, many would consider it a pipe dream but for the World Bank's backing it with both finance and technical support. Yes, the WB has found merit in supporting the programme and committed to provide $600 million for the first phase called Metro Dhaka Water Security and Resilience (DWATER) programme requiring $1.0 billion. The WB's contribution will cover 60 per cent of the projected total cost for the first phase to be executed by 2031. 

The World Bank's participation with the issuance of a concept Programme Information Document (PID) that serves as a draft Environmental and Social Systems Assessment (ESSA) is highly laudable and encouraging. When the WB finds merit in a programme, others will consider investment in the scheme worth doing. The Economic Relations Division (ERD) is yet to approach donors or financiers for the remaining 40 per cent cost of the first phase. Since the DWATER project envisions a scenario where the inhabitants of the capital and the neighbouring urban centres will have universal access to safe water supply and sanitation (WSS), the attainment of the objectives on completion of the first phase will mark a paradigm shift in the liveability index. Its other components like solid waste management, industrial effluent control and canal rehabilitation are no less important. It gives the impression that the DWATER programme is comprehensive enough to focus on the management of water resources in and around the capital city. 

However, the $1.0 billion fund earmarked for the first phase looks inadequate for the projected accomplishments. Restoring canals that once served as the arteries of Dhaka City is too ambitious to be executed. Also, how a political government to take over from the current interim one views the projects matters. Many of the canals have no existence. Even the restored canals have once again been encroached upon or rendered useless on account of dumping of garbage and sludge. Then comes the restoring the rivers' health. The WB's concept paper reports that 1,500 million litres of untreated sewage, 2,400 million litres of effluent and 10,000 tonnes of solid waste are released into the rivers Buriganga, Sitalakhya and Turag every day. Management of the pollution of this order is highly challenging.

Under the wider perspective of the Blue Network, however, the restoration of canals, rivers and other water bodies can be accomplished better. Irrespective of how the future political governments will react to the programme, one thing is quite clear that without execution of such a programme, Dhaka City will be unliveable. The WB's involvement with the projects is an indication of the compulsion governments coming next should feel to save the city from falling apart. The cost of rehabilitating its water infrastructure will be less than opting for a new capital elsewhere.