The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

LGRD and Cooperatives Adviser M Anwarul Iqbal yesterday said sanitation facilities would be ensured for all by 2010 through combined national initiatives with the help of government, private and development partners.

He said, "We have to accelerate sanitation movement further for ensuring sanitation coverage for all in the country."

The adviser was speaking at a press briefing on the eve of launching the international year of sanitation, national hand washing campaign and observance of the World Water Day-2008 at the CIRDAP auditorium in the city.

The National Sanitation Task Force Media Committee and the Forum of Environmental Journalists of Bangladesh (FEJB) jointly organised the press briefing.

Convenor of the National Sanitation Taskforce Media Committee Prof Dr Majibur Rahman, Member Secretary Qamrul Islam Chowdhury, Joint Secretary Mohammad Lokman Hakim Talukder and DPHE Chief Engineer Mohammad Mostafiziur Rahman addressed the press conference.

Anwarul Iqbal said, "The International Year of Sanitation declared by the United Nations would inspire our sanitation movement."

In reply to a question, Anwarul Iqbal said the government had taken initiatives with the help of local people for purifying water in SIDR-affected areas.

Besides, the government has provided 3,000 tube-wells for the cyclone-affected areas for ensuring safe-drinking water, he said adding that 5,000 deep tube-wells will also be given to these areas.

Describing safe-drinking water as a very challenging issue for Dhaka city, the adviser said adding the government alone could not to meet the demand.

Considering the lack of sanitation facilities during the 'Bishwa Ijtema, Anwarul Iqbal said the government has set up sanitary latrines at a cost Taka 10 crore for avoiding water pollution in the river Turag.

Terming the national hand washing campaign as an important part of sanitation coverage, he said the media could play vital role in creating mass awareness of hand washing.

Describing the present latrine coverage of the country is very encouraging, Majibur Rahman said open defection has been significantly reduced from 42 percent in 2003 to around 10 percent in 2007.