Bangladesh: leveraging digital tools for targeted investments

Abstract

Urban areas in Bangladesh are grappling with serious sanitation issues due to rapid population growth and insufficient infrastructure. To address these challenges, the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), with support from development finance institutions, launched a strategic initiative to develop Strategic Sanitation Service Plans (SSSPs). Lakshmipur was selected as a model town for this initiative. With technical support from Athena Infonomics, the planning process involved reviewing existing sanitation systems, identifying service gaps, and designing targeted interventions. Digital tools such as the EquiServe Tool were instrumental in modeling service scenarios and planning investments, enabling the identification of cost-effective and practical solutions. These tools promoted efficient resource allocation and improved public health outcomes. The Lakshmipur case highlights the value of a structured, data-driven approach to urban sanitation planning. The lessons learned can guide other government agencies and development finance institutions in scaling similar initiatives, ensuring sustainable and impactful sanitation planning across Bangladesh's urban centers.