Bonhishikha, in partnership with GRET, conducted an external evaluation of the Eau & Vie (E&V, now Better With Water) project ‘Access to Piped Water at Home in the Slums of Chattogram.’ Implemented between January 2022 and April 2025, and funded by AFD and private donors, the project aimed to improve living conditions in Chattogram’s urban slums. It focused on expanding access to safe piped water, promoting hygiene, strengthening fire prevention, and empowering communities through participatory approaches.
What we found:
The evaluation revealed significant progress in expanding access to clean water across three slums in Chattogram benefitting from new piped water connections, well above the project’s original targets. This access not only improved household hygiene but also strengthened trust in formal services, as families willingly invested in connection fees to secure reliable water supply. Alongside infrastructure, the project created meaningful community impact.
Despite these, the evaluation also highlighted challenges such as implementation delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, political unrest during 2024, and structural barriers linked to land tenure insecurity and authorisation processes with Chattogram Water and Sewerage Authority (CWASA). Nevertheless, the innovative dual structure, where ‘Shobar Jonno Pani (SJP)’ managed service delivery, and Water & Life Bangladesh led community mobilisation, proved highly effective in overcoming obstacles and ensuring participation from marginalised residents.
Ultimately, the findings underscored that the SJP model is a sustainable and scalable solution for inclusive urban water supply. To maximise long-term impact, however, greater institutional integration and sustained advocacy with government stakeholders will be essential in embedding this approach into national urban development strategies.