The New Nation - Internet Edition

Raipura is one of the biggest Upazilas of the country. It consists of 24 Unions Parishads and one Pourasava. In spite of being close to the capital city, the villages in Raipura are remote, poverty stricken, backward in communication and public health facilities. Men, women and children of the area are deprived of other necessary amenities. Health and sanitation facilities are very poor for them.

It is learnt, health education, sanitation and water supply projects backed by the GOB and UNICEF was initiated in February 2007. Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) under the ministry of LGRD is implementing these projects funded by UNICEF and DFID. Association for Rural Development is working for a successful completion of the projects. It has also been working for raising awareness among the masses about sanitation. 341 well-trained officers and employees are working at the grassroots level to ensure safe water and sanitation facilities for all. The ultimate aims and objectives of GOB-UNICEF projects are to ensure sanitation, safe water supply, and changes in health habits and arsenic free safe water supply among the people. Different government agencies are involved in the proper implementation of the projects.

At the beginning of these projects, 307 community hygiene promoters, 24 union supervisors and other staff of field agencies were trained for proper implementation of the projects. ARD organised basic training on water supply and sanitation for 3378 ward, union and Upazila committee members and public representatives including local elite and government officials. Field Agency has formed 4605 Community Action (CAP) Plans involving all classes of people.

Tube-wells and latrines are being installed according to the needs of the CAP. For this reason, poor people are now getting benefits from tube-wells and latrines, which were occupied by influential and rich people previously.

CHP are moving from house to house and motivating people on sanitation. Courtyard meetings, focus group discussions, sitting with people of different professions, interaction with poor, poorest and marginalised group, tea stall and grocery shop sessions, video shows on sanitation, sanitation fairs at union levels, drama and folk songs are regularly organised to create awareness among the people.

The people of Raipura are keeping important role in implementing the project. Union Parisad chairmen and members informed, people did not set up latrine before this. But at present they come in-groups to set up toilets. People of the remote char areas are also using sanitary latrines now. They also deposit wastes in particular pits. The population of the Upazila now shows consciousness about health and sanitation. The project is playing a vital role in bringing about radical changes in the lifestyle of the people.