Project Description
Animation Liberate For Organize (ALO), a Jessore-based NGO, has successfully completed a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project in Laxmipur District, Bangladesh, to address critical water and sanitation challenges faced by a local family. The project involved the installation of a deep tube well and a sanitary toilet, funded with a budget of USD 450 (equivalent to approximately BDT 53,550 at an exchange rate of 1 USD = 119 BDT as of July 2025). This initiative aligns with ALO’s mission to improve living conditions in rural communities through sustainable WASH interventions, contributing to Bangladesh’s progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation for all).
Project Completion
The project was executed in collaboration with local stakeholders and community members in Laxmipur Sadar, Laxmipur District. The deep tube well was installed to provide a reliable source of arsenic-free drinking water, addressing the region’s groundwater contamination issues. The sanitary toilet, a twin-pit latrine, was constructed to ensure safe and dignified sanitation, reducing open defecation and associated health risks. The project was completed in June 2025, with local entrepreneurs trained by ALO ensuring quality construction and community engagement. The family now has access to clean water and a hygienic toilet, significantly improving their health and quality of life.
Financial Breakdown
- Deep Tube Well Installation: BDT 35,700 (USD 300)
- Materials (pipes, pump, platform): BDT 23,800
- Labor and installation: BDT 11,900
- Sanitary Toilet (Twin-Pit Latrine): BDT 17,850 (USD 150)
- Materials (cement, bricks, pipes, pan): BDT 11,900
- Labor and construction: BDT 5,950
- Total Cost: BDT 53,550 (USD 450)
The budget was fully funded through ALO’s donor contributions, with no additional costs borne by the beneficiary family, ensuring affordability and accessibility.
History of Water and Sanitation Issues in Laxmipur
Laxmipur District, located in southeastern Bangladesh, faces significant WASH challenges due to its geographical and environmental conditions. Historically, the region has struggled with arsenic contamination in groundwater, a widespread issue in Bangladesh since the 1970s when shallow tube wells were introduced to combat surface water pollution. According to the World Bank, approximately 26% of drinking water sources in Bangladesh, including areas like Laxmipur, contain arsenic levels above WHO safety thresholds, posing risks of poisoning and long-term health issues like cancer. Additionally, sanitation coverage in Laxmipur remains inadequate, with 69% of households lacking access to safely managed sanitation facilities, and open defecation persisting among some communities. These issues have contributed to high rates of waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea, which accounts for significant child mortality in Bangladesh.
Impact of the Project
The installation of the deep tube well provides the beneficiary family with safe, arsenic-free drinking water, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and improving overall health outcomes. The sanitary toilet eliminates the need for open defecation, enhancing dignity, particularly for women and children, and reducing environmental contamination. This project serves as a model for community-led WASH interventions, demonstrating how targeted investments can yield significant health and social benefits. By empowering local entrepreneurs and raising awareness about hygiene practices, ALO’s initiative fosters sustainable change, contributing to reduced disease prevalence and improved quality of life in Laxmipur. The project’s success will be shared on ALO’s website and social media to inspire further community support and funding for similar initiatives.
Together for a Better Tomorrow