Dutch envoy backs smart water grids in coastal areas

BARISHAL, Aug 13: Technology-driven water services can help climate-vulnerable coastal communities to secure safe drinking water while reducing the burden on women and children, Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris Van Bommel said during a visit to Barishal on Thursday.
The envoy visited the Smart Water Grid in Dudhalmou and Bhorpasha villages of Bakerganj upazila to see how automated systems, digital monitoring and cashless payments are being used to improve access to safe tap water.
Accompanied by officials from the Netherlands Embassy and representatives of MAX Foundation and its social enterprise, Joris Van Bommel observed the automated water supply system and how sensors and a digital monitoring dashboard are used to manage the network.
The delegation also reviewed the cashless water bill payment system through bKash and spoke with local beneficiaries.
Residents told the visitors that access to safe tap water has improved hygiene, sanitation and their daily lives.
Speaking to reporters, the ambassador said Bangladesh and the Netherlands share many geographical similarities as delta and coastal countries.
He said technology-based water services could play an important role in helping communities adapt to climate change.
“Household tap water can reduce the burden on women and children and improve their safety,” he said.
MAX Foundation co-founder Jook le Pool said the organisation began its work in Barishal nearly two decades ago and the initiative has since evolved into a technology-driven social enterprise.
Project officials said the model brings together smart technology, digital payments and social entrepreneurship, creating a system that could be replicated in other climate-vulnerable regions across Bangladesh.