Multi-sectoral (WASH, FSL & DRR) Needs Assessment

Funded By: SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL

Duration: December 01- December 25

Project Summary:

The main purpose of the assignment is to conduct a multi-sectoral needs assessment to determine gaps in WASH, FSL, and DRR services in slums and low-income settlements in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), as well as urban and semi-urban areas in Cox’s Bazar.

An Oxfam study indicated that only 12-30% of the slum population have access to hygienic sanitation facilities, drinking water, solid waste management and other basic rights. The Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) is an autonomous and commercial organization, entrusted with the responsibility of providing water, sewerage disposal and stormwater drainage services in Dhaka, but the pressure from this fast-rising urban population presents an ever-increasing demand to scale-up its operations and deliver water and sanitation services to the entire population.

Waste disposal services are also inadequate. While the Government of Bangladesh formulated various regulatory documents to improve waste management in the country from 1995-2018, and two autonomous bodies (Dhaka City Corporation North and South) are responsible for waste management in Dhaka city. But only 2 landfills are available for dumping in Dhaka which feeding 40-60% of waste from the urban area only, while slums and low-income settlements are denied in waste collection and converted into semi dumping areas through uncollected solid waste is disposed of.

In Cox’s Bazar, urban dwellers have been significantly affected by the influx of 1.1 million Rohingya refugees’ influx since August 2017. This rapid population growth has had negative effects on the economy, including inflation characterized by commodity price hikes and reducing local labor market impacts directly in the semi-urban and urban communities. The district is also highly susceptible to natural disasters.

However, local information, early warning systems and resilient structures are still weak and the community shows reluctance to move to shelter during a disaster situations. As a result, the impact of natural disasters is higher, and the most vulnerable populations (low-income households and refugees) suffer the most, particularly in terms of shelter and asset destruction and increased difficulties in accessing basic services. There is thus a major need for resilience building among populations most likely to be first affected, in order to mitigate a potentially significant increase in the number of climate change-driven migrations within the country.

In Dhaka, this assessment will measure current water coverage of water supply, sanitation and solid waste management services, as well as hygiene practices at the household level. It will identify the needs in terms of food security and livelihoods, particularly in terms of activities and supports for climate-resilient high-valued agro-based interventions and skill-based IGAs. It will furthermore highlight the required supports from a DRR perspective.