Barguna’s Taltali Upazila:100 families finally have access to safe water

Around 100 families in Uttar Jharkhali village under Barguna's Taltali upazila have finally gained access to safe drinking water following the inauguration of a modern water treatment plant yesterday morning.

The plant was installed in a salinity-prone region where potable water has long been scarce.

Implemented jointly by Good Neighbors Bangladesh, a local NGO, and the Embassy of Japan, the facility is capable of supplying an average of 20,000 litres of purified water daily.

Khan Nanami, adviser of the "Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)" at the Japanese embassy, inaugurated the plant.

Following the inauguration, a discussion was held at the upazila parishad, chaired by Ishaq Maji, president of Safe Water Committee (SWC), a local beneficiary group. Taltali upazila nirbahi officer Umme Salma attended as chief guest.

Good Neighbors Bangladesh managing director Bartin Gomez was also present among others.

Speakers said salinity levels in the coastal areas have risen significantly since the Cyclone Aila in 2009, destroying natural sources of drinkable water and exposing local residents — especially women and children — to serious health risks.

The newly installed plant will provide a sustainable daily supply of clean water, which has been tested and verified as safe for both drinking and cooking. To ensure uninterrupted access during floods, 12 'safe water points' have also been installed in elevated areas.

A locally formed Safe Drinking Water Management Committee will be overseeing the plant's operations and maintenance.

Stakeholders said the project contributes directly to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 by ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.