Project Description:

This baseline study was conducted from September to November, 2020, with an aim to investigate the current situation of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH), Feacal Sludge Management (FSM) and Solid Waste Management (SWM) of Faridpur municipality with other underlying specific objectives. DM WATCH followed a participatory approach by the engagement of communities, service providers, relevant municipal officials, and key personals of financial institutions. A mixed-method design, where both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from the target beneficiaries and other relevant stakeholders. Both primary and secondary sources were reviewed to analyze project details. For the quantitative part of the data collection, the sample size was determined as 384 for households. A purposive sampling technique has been employed for the collection of qualitative data from the targeted project locations. For the study, Key Informant Interview (KII) and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) have also been conducted considering different market segments, such as Sanitation service providers. Major findings of this study are, Ward number 3 and 9 in the municipality still have correspondingly 14% and 7% coverage of open defecation on the service levels while 36% (n=384) of the households have achieved “Safely Managed” sanitation status, 62% households own “Basic” hygiene status and, as there is only one feacal sludge treatment plant so only 26% of the feacal sludge generated in Faridpur is being safely dealt with over the long term. This study also found that, Faridpur Municipality with the support from different Non-government Organizations is trying to boost up the WaSH sector and the Municipality has a dedicated wing to look after this area. They have gender inclusive strategic and yearly plan to improve the service level which also includes marginalised people in the decision-making process. At the end DM WATCH team recommended to stimulate all four stakeholders of the diamond model individually and bring them in an inclusive value chain which will help to ensure the success of the programme.