Assignment Name: Development Project Proforma/Proposal (DPP) on Public Toilets for Khulna City Corporation, Jashore, Jhenaidah, Kushtia, and Benapole Paurashava

Country: Bangladesh

Client Name: SNV Netherlands Development Organization

 The Development Project Proforma/Proposal (DPP) on Public Toilets for Khulna City Corporation, Jashore, Jhenaidah, Kushtia, and Benapole Paurashava aimed to address critical gaps in urban sanitation infrastructure and services. Public toilets are essential for urban well-being, especially in densely populated areas with significant floating populations. However, these cities lacked adequate public toilet (PT) facilities, leading to challenges such as open defecation, environmental degradation, and exclusion of vulnerable groups like women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

This assignment was undertaken as part of SNV’s City Wide Inclusive Sanitation Engagement (CWISE) program, funded by which operates under the leadership of Local Government Authorities and focuses on citywide, pro-poor, accountable, and sustainable sanitation solutions. The DPP development aimed to provide a strategic framework for constructing, renovating, and maintaining public toilets in the target cities. By assessing current facilities, identifying gaps, and planning for future needs, the project sought to improve sanitation services, enhance the quality of urban life, and contribute to the health, dignity, and privacy of urban populations.

The project emphasized gender equity, universal accessibility, and environmental sustainability. It also incorporated a comprehensive analysis of WASH governance, financial investment, and behavioral change communication, aligning with national strategies and local government frameworks. The finalized DPP was prepared for submission to the Planning Commission for approval, ensuring long-term investment in sanitation infrastructure.

The project team, led by DM WATCH, delivered the following key services:

Policy and Context Analysis:

• Conducted a comprehensive review of national and international sanitation policies, guidelines, and frameworks, including the Sector Development Plan (SDP) and relevant local government acts.
• Assessed the current state of public toilets in the target cities, identifying gaps in availability, accessibility, and management.

Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation:

• Organized consultation meetings with city corporation/municipality officials, SNV representatives, and other stakeholders to understand local needs and expectations.
• Facilitated discussions to gather insights on sanitation governance, financing strategies, and best practices.

Data Collection and Feasibility Study:

• Collected and analyzed secondary data on population dynamics, urban planning, and sanitation service coverage.
• Conducted a needs assessment to project future demands for public toilets, considering factors like population growth, location availability, and space constraints.

Development of Logical Framework and Draft DPP:

• Prepared a Logical Framework (Logframe) for the proposed interventions, detailing objectives, activities, outputs, and outcomes.
• Developed draft DPPs for each of the five cities, including cost estimates, procurement plans, staffing requirements, and a timeline for implementation.

Feedback Integration and Finalization:

• Shared draft DPPs with stakeholders, including city authorities and SNV officials, for review and feedback.
• Incorporated recommendations and finalized the DPPs to align with government standards and local requirements.

Design and Financial Planning:

• Designed a financing strategy for constructing and maintaining public toilets, integrating public-private partnership (PPP) models and other funding mechanisms.
• Developed a detailed budget and cost breakdown for proposed interventions in each city.

Capacity Building and Advocacy:

• Provided technical guidance to local government institutions on DPP formulation and submission processes.
• Advocated for inclusive sanitation planning, emphasizing gender-sensitive and environmentally sustainable designs.

Submission and Approval Support:

• Assisted city corporations and municipalities in submitting the final DPPs to the Planning Commission and facilitated revisions as needed.
• Supported the approval process with the Planning Commission and the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

This systematic approach ensured that the DPPs addressed current gaps while planning for sustainable and inclusive sanitation solutions, ultimately improving public health and urban liveability in the target cities.