Sustainable Development In Bangladesh: Goal 6 – Clean Water And Sanitation

Repoter : News Room
Published: 15 July, 2020 4:10 pm

Barrister Fabliha Afia

Fabliha Afia:

INTRODUCTION

A way to take care of nature and each other is to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all.^[1]

SDG 6: CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 is clean water and sanitation. The United Nations (UN) has defined 8 Targets and 11 Indicators for SDG 6. The original texts of the Targets and Indicators are as follows:^[2]

6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all

6.1.1 Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services

6.2 By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations

6.2.1 Proportion of population using safely managed sanitation services, including a hand-washing facility with soap and water

6.3 By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally

6.3.1 Proportion of wastewater safely treated

6.3.2 Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality

6.4 By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity

6.4.1 Change in water-use efficiency over time

6.4.2 Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources

6.5 By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate

6.5.1 Degree of integrated water resources management implementation (0-100)

6.5.2 Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation

6.6 By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes

6.6.1 Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time

6.a By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies

6.a.1 Amount of water and sanitation-related official development assistance that is part of a government-coordinated spending plan

6.b Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management

6.b.1 Proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies and procedures for participation of local communities in water and sanitation management

DEFINITIONS, GOALS AND DATA^[3] OF THE INDICATORS ACCORDING TO SDG TRACKER

Targets specify the goals and Indicators represent the metrics by which the world aims to track whether these Targets are achieved. The Indicators can be further explained as follows:^[4]

6.1.1 Definition: Indicator 6.1.1 is the Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.

A safely managed drinking water service is defined as one located on premises, available when needed and free from contamination.

Goal: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh, the share of the population using safely managed drinking water is gradually decreasing. In 2013 the ratio was 55.74%, in 2014 it was 55.71%, and in 2015 it was 55.67%.

Total population using a given drinking water source. At least basic drinking water represents an improved source within 30 minutes’ round trip to collect water; ‘limited’ constitutes an improved water source more than a 30 minute round-trip away; ‘unimproved’ is one that by the nature of its construction does not adequately protect the source from outside contamination; and ‘surface’ is that from surface water sources. Drinking water service coverage is gradually increasing. In 2013 the ratio was 1.78 million from surface water sources, 1.09 million from unimproved sources, 1.84 million from limited sources, 152.45 million from at least basic sources, and drinking water service coverage was 157.16 million in total. In 2014 it was 1.67 million from surface water sources, 975,261.19 from unimproved sources, 1.86 million from limited sources, 154.57 million from at least basic sources, and drinking water service coverage was 159.08 million in total. In 2015 the ratio was 1.56 million from surface water sources, 864,415.58 from unimproved sources, 1.88 million from limited sources, 156.69 million from at least basic sources, and drinking water service coverage was 161.00 million in total.

6.2.1 Definition: Indicator 6.2.1 is the Proportion of population using (a) safely managed sanitation services and (b) a hand-washing facility with soap and water.

This is measured as the share of the population using safely managed sanitation facilities and at least basic hand washing facilities.

A safely managed sanitation facility is one where excreta is safely disposed of in situ or treated off-site. A basic hand washing facility is defined by a device to contain, transport or regulate the flow of water to facilitate hand washing with soap and water in the household.

Goal: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation.

Bangladesh: Data is not available for the share of population using safely managed sanitation facilities.

Number of people with access to different sanitation facilities. ‘At least basic’ are improved sanitation facilities not shared with other households; ‘limited’ are improved facilities shared with other households; ‘unimproved’ are facilities without a flush/pour flush (to piped sewer system, septic tank, pit latrine), ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrine, pit latrine with slab, or composting toilet. Sanitation facilities coverage is gradually increasing. In 2013, 69.40 million had access to at least basic sanitation, 32.71 million had access to limited (shared) sanitation, 51.41 million had access to unimproved sanitation, 3.63 million had access to open defecation, 157.16 million in total had access to different sanitation facilities. In 2014, 72.45 million had access to at least basic sanitation, 34.18 million had access to limited (shared) sanitation, 50.56 million had access to unimproved sanitation, 1.89 million had access to open defecation, 159.08 million in total had access to different sanitation facilities. In 2015, 75.55 million had access to at least basic sanitation, 35.66 million had access to limited (shared) sanitation, 49.61 million had access to unimproved sanitation, 171,600.94 had access to open defecation, 161.00 million in total had access to different sanitation facilities.

Share of population with a basic hand washing facility, which is defined by a device to contain, transport or regulate the flow of water to facilitate hand washing with soap and water in the household. The share of the population with basic hand washing facilities on premises is gradually increasing. In 2015 the ratio was 34.41%, in 2016 it was 34.61%, and in 2017 it was 34.81%.

6.3.1 Definition: Indicator 6.3.1 is the proportion of wastewater safely treated.

Goal: Halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally by 2030.

Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.

6.3.2 Definition: Indicator 6.3.2 is the proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.

Goal: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.

Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.

6.4.1 Definition: Indicator 6.4.1 is the change in water-use efficiency over time.

Water efficiency is measured here as a productivity metric, given as a country’s total gross domestic product (GDP) divided by total freshwater withdrawals. Water-efficient economics are those which achieve a high gross domestic product (GDP) per unit of freshwater withdrawal.

Goal: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors.

Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.

6.4.2 Definition: Indicator 6.4.2 is the level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources.

Water scarcity or stress is defined as the total quantity of freshwater withdrawals as a share of internal resources. This includes water withdrawn for agricultural, industrial and domestic uses. Water stress is defined by the following categories: <10% is low stress; 10-20% is low-to-medium; 20-40% medium-to-high; 40-80% high; >80% extremely high.

Goal: By 2030, ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh, freshwater withdrawals as a share of internal resources in 2012 was 34.16%.

6.5.1 Definition: Indicator 6.5.1 is the degree of integrated water resources management implementation (0-100).

This metric assesses the status of national development and implementation of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) plans across the world.

Goal: By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.

Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.

6.5.2 Definition: Indicator 6.5.2 is the proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation.

Goal: By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.

Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.

6.6.1 Definition: Indicator 6.6.1 is the change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time.

Goal: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.

The target is set to be achieved by 2020, unlike most SDG targets which have a timeline of 2030.

Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.

6.a.1. Definition: Indicator 6.a.1 is the amount of water and sanitation-related official development assistance that is part of a government coordinated spending plan.

This metric is assessed as the total official development assistance (ODA) allocated to water and sanitation-related programmes. ODA is reported as the total per recipient country in constant 2015 US$ per year.

Goal: By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water and sanitation-related activities and programmes.

Bangladesh: Total official financial flows for water supply and sanitation received by Bangladesh was $283.53 million in 2017.

6.b.1 Definition: Indicator 6.b.1 is the proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies and procedures for participation of local communities in water and sanitation management.

Goal: By 2030, support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.

Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.

CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION: WHY IT MATTERS

The aim of SDG 6 is to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.^[5] SDG 6 goes beyond drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, to also address the quality and sustainability of water resources, critical to the survival of people and the planet. The 2030 Agenda recognizes the centrality of water resources to sustainable development, and the vital role that improved drinking water, sanitation and hygiene play in progress in other areas, including health, education and poverty reduction.^[6]

By managing our water sustainably, we are able to better manage our production of food and energy and contribute to decent work and economic growth. Moreover, we can preserve our water ecosystems, their biodiversity, and take action on climate change.^[7]

The COVID-19 pandemic has also demonstrated the critical importance of sanitation, hygiene and adequate access to clean water for preventing and containing diseases. Hand hygiene saves lives. According to the World Health Organization, handwashing is one of the most effective actions we can take to reduce the spread of pathogens and prevent infections, including the COVID-19 virus.^[8]

WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT

We can take an active interest in the governance and management of access to clean water and sanitation. We can invest in water research and development, and promote the inclusion of women, youth and indigenous communities in water resources governance. Generating awareness of these roles and turning them into action will lead to win-win results and increased sustainability and integrity for both human and ecological systems.^[9]

EXAMPLES OF KEY BUSINESS ACTIONS AND SOLUTIONS

Access to water and sanitation are basic human rights and are critical sustainable development challenges. These challenges will only worsen and the impacts on people will only increase as competing demands for clean fresh water (agriculture, households, energy generation, industrial use, ecosystems) are exacerbated by the effects of climate change putting more pressure on water quality and availability. These conditions will create increasing risk for businesses, governments, communities and the environment.^[10]

Business can contribute to the alleviation of these water challenges by adopting a water stewardship strategy that addresses the economic, environment, and social dimensions of water. By adopting stewardship, companies are able to make a positive contribution to improved water and sanitation management and governance that addresses their risks while contributing to sustainable development. This means adopting values and practices that aim to safeguard long-term availability of clean water and the provision of sanitation for all stakeholders in a watershed.^[11]

Businesses can for example:^[12]

Prioritize water efficiency across operations by installing best practice technologies for water conservation, in particular in water scarce areas.
Educating employees about the importance of water efficiency, including tying performance bonuses or operations-based incentives to efficient practices.
Mitigating against water pollution with state-of-the-art wastewater treatment processes for effluent discharge.
Development of innovative manufacturing processes such that substances with high water contamination potential are eliminated and substituted with materials that are easier to remove from water systems.
Invest in water treatment so that municipal treatment facilities are not overburdened by industrial waste-water.
Collect and treat agricultural run-off and use as fresh water source.
Integrate gray water back into building operations, reducing the amount of potable water needed to flush toilets.
Reduce the likelihood of groundwater contamination by treating and processing all waste with exceptional precaution, according to local and federal guidelines.
Invest in clean-up when necessary, restoring sites to pre-spill quality levels.
Educate consumers about appropriate water behaviors, explaining global water quality and scarcity issues, thus attempting to shift the negative implications of the use phase associated with many consumer products.
Invest in water and sanitation projects or infrastructure in under-served regions.
Ensure that all employees and their families have ample access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation, and raise awareness about hygiene practices.
Invest in clean-ups and restoration of water ecosystems to ensure sustainable water withdrawals.
Prohibit the use of chemicals and materials that can be particularly detrimental to water quality if improperly disposed.
Working with other groups such as governments, community groups, peer companies to improve local water governance or on water projects to address identified challenges.
Ensure that the voices of women and girls, who are disproportionately impacted by inadequate WASH facilities, are included in water and sanitation management strategies.

HOW ACCESS TO INFORMATION WILL HELP

Sustainable development has 17 goals (SDGs). Each of these goals have targets and indicators. If data is collected for all the targets and indicators and regularly updated, then the system will be more organised. This will also ensure better coordination and efficiency.

Availability of information will also give a better view and make it easier to monitor the progress of the SDGs. Updated information will help to form effective strategies. This will enable better understanding of what further needs to be done to meet the SDGs, and allocate resources accordingly.^[13]

For example, SDG 6 is clean water and sanitation. The United Nations (UN) has defined 8 Targets and 11 Indicators for SDG 6. Each of the indicators will be analysed to explain how data can help form the perfect strategy; and thus further help to achieve SDG 6 by 2030.

The analysis is however based on outdated information. Many developments have occurred over the years. Improvements are continuously being made to achieve SDG 6. Thus updated information is required for accurate analysis.

The following analysis of SDG 6 is therefore only to exemplify how data can be used to form the perfect strategy.

The indicators of SDG 6 are as follows:

6.1.1 In Bangladesh, the share of the population using safely managed drinking water was 55.67% in 2015. Aiming for the best, 100% is the target level assumed for this indicator. Then on a scale of 1 – 10 (10 being the best), the global target reached is 6. Thus from this information it can be understood that yearly the proportion should be increased in order to reach the target of 100% by 2030.

This data can be further analysed to set yearly targets of the level of increase required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(100 – 55.67 = 44.33) in (2030 – 2020 = 10 years)] 44.33% in 10 years. Thus on an average each year the level of increase required will be (44.33 ÷ 10 = 4.43) 4.43% to reach the target of 100% by 2030.

Thus availability of such information according to area, city/district/state/province, and the overall country will give clarity. It will help to understand the share and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it, if low.

6.2.1 Indicator 6.2.1 is the proportion of population using (a) safely managed sanitation services and (b) a hand-washing facility with soap and water. Data is not available for the share of population using safely managed sanitation facilities.

Thus availability of such information according to area, city/district/state/province, and the overall country will give clarity. The data can be further analysed as mentioned below. It will help to understand the share and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it, if low.

In Bangladesh, the share of the population with basic hand washing facilities on premises was 34.81% in 2017. Aiming for the best, 100% is the target level assumed for this indicator. Then on a scale of 1 – 10 (10 being the best), the global target reached is 4. Thus from this information it can be understood that yearly the proportion should be increased in order to reach the target of 100% by 2030.

This data can be further analysed to set yearly targets of the level of increase required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(100 – 34.81 = 65.19) in (2030 – 2020 = 10 years)] 65.19% in 10 years. Thus on an average each year the level of increase required will be (65.19 ÷ 10 = 6.52) 6.52% to reach the target of 100% by 2030.

6.3.1 Indicator 6.3.1 is the proportion of wastewater safely treated. Data for this indicator is not available.

Thus availability of such information according to area, city/district/state/province, and the overall country will give clarity. The data can be further analysed as mentioned above. It will help to understand the share and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it, if low.

6.3.2 Indicator 6.3.2 is the proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality. Data for this indicator is not available.

Thus availability of such information for each and all water bodies will give clarity. The data can be further analysed as mentioned above. It will help to understand the share and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it, if low.

6.4.1 Indicator 6.4.1 is the change in water-use efficiency over time. Data for this indicator is not available.

Thus availability of such information will give clarity. The data can be further analysed as mentioned above. It will help to understand the rate and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it, if low.

6.4.2 In Bangladesh, withdrawals as a share of internal resources was 34.16% in 2012. Aiming for the best, 10% is the target level assumed for this indicator. Then on a scale of 1 – 5 (1 being the best), the global target reached is 3. Thus from this information it can be understood that yearly the proportion should be decreased in order to reach the target of 10% by 2030.

This data can be further analysed to set yearly targets of the level of decrease required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(34.16 – 10 = 24.16) in (2030 – 2020 = 10 years)] 24.16% in 10 years. Thus on an average each year the level of decrease required will be (24.16 ÷ 10 = 2.42) 2.42% to reach the target of 10% by 2030.

Thus availability of such information according to area, city/district/state/province, and the overall country will give clarity. It will help to understand the proportion and accordingly initiatives can be taken to decrease it, if high.

6.5.1 Indicator 6.5.1 is the degree of integrated water resources management implementation (0-100). Data for this indicator is not available.

Thus availability of such information will give clarity. The data can be further analysed as mentioned above. It will help to understand the level of implementation and accordingly initiatives can be taken to meet the target, if not met.

6.5.2 Indicator 6.5.2 is the proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation. Data for this indicator is not available.

Thus availability of such information for each and all transboundary basins will give clarity. The data can be further analysed as mentioned above. It will help to understand the proportion and accordingly initiatives can be taken to increase it, if low.

6.6.1 Indicator 6.6.1 is the change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time. Data for this indicator is not available.

Thus availability of such information for each and all water-related ecosystems will give clarity. The data can be further analysed as mentioned above. It will help to understand the share and accordingly initiatives can be taken to restore it, if the target is not met.

6.a.1 Total official financial flows for water supply and sanitation received by Bangladesh was $283.53 million in 2017.

Thus availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the status and maintain transparency.

6.b.1 Indicator 6.b.1 is the proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies and procedures for participation of local communities in water and sanitation management. Data for this indicator is not available.

Thus availability of such information will give clarity. The data can be further analysed as mentioned above. It will help to understand the proportion and accordingly initiatives can be taken to meet the target, if not met.

In this way the progress of SDG 6 can be monitored. A monitoring system is necessary to measure the progress.^[14] The monitoring system explained above is original work. The monitoring system also achieves all of the Indicators of SDG 6.^[15] All praises to Allah.

CONCLUSION

If everyone, which includes individuals, private bodies and the Government, works together and the progress continues, then SDG 6 will be achieved by 2030.

Fabliha Afia: Barrister-at-Law.

Footnotes

^[1] The definition of access to clean water and sanitation for all is non exhaustive.

^[2] UN – SDG 6 <https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6> accessed 12 July 2020

^[3] Data from any reliable source can be used.

^[4] SDG Tracker <https://sdg-tracker.org/water-and-sanitation> accessed 24 June 2020

^[5] UN – SDG 6 <https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6> accessed 12 July 2020

^[6] UN – SDG 6 <https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2016/goal-06/> accessed 27 June 2020

^[7] UN – SDG 6 <https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Goal-6.pdf> accessed 27 June 2020

^[8] UN – SDG 6 <https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/water-and-sanitation/> accessed 27 June 2020

^[9] UN – SDG 6 <https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Goal-6.pdf> accessed 27 June 2020

^[10] SDG Compass <https://sdgcompass.org/sdgs/sdg-6/> accessed 27 June 2020