Dutch Envoy Highlights Public-Private Partnership to Expand Safe Drinking Water Access in Bangladesh

Dutch Ambassador Joris van Bommel has said that stronger cooperation between the Netherlands and Bangladesh through public-private partnerships can significantly improve access to safe drinking water across the country, particularly for communities in climate-vulnerable areas.

The ambassador made the remarks while speaking to journalists on Thursday during a visit to the MAX Foundation's Building Water Business project in Dudhalmou, Bakerganj, Barishal. The visit focused on observing how a climate-resilient, low-maintenance piped water supply system is delivering safe drinking water efficiently in vulnerable communities.

Van Bommel noted that Bangladesh and the Netherlands share many similarities in water management because both are delta countries shaped by rivers and the sea. He emphasized that cooperation between the two nations should ensure access to safe drinking water for all.

He said the purpose of his visit with representatives of the MAX Foundation and MAX Social Enterprise was to understand how piped water services can reach the "last mile," enabling households in remote communities to receive water directly in their homes.

The ambassador stressed that reliable access to tap water is important not only for improving drinking water quality but also for reducing the burden on women and girls, who often have to travel long distances to collect water.

According to Van Bommel, Barishal's experience demonstrates that sustainable water services can be developed through collaboration among the government, local communities, and the private sector.

"We strongly believe this is a sustainable public-private partnership model through which every family in Bangladesh can have affordable water connections at home," he said.

He added that the visit also provided an opportunity to see how off-grid community water supply systems are being managed at the local level.

Expressing satisfaction with the Netherlands' collaboration with local communities and companies through the MAX Foundation and MAX Social Enterprise, the ambassador said meaningful change can be achieved by working closely with businesses and local stakeholders.

MAX Foundation Founder and Director Joke le Poole said the organization began its work more than two decades ago, initially focusing on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as essential measures to reduce child mortality.

She explained that Bangladesh was chosen because of its high population density and significant demand for safe water, with the foundation beginning its work in Barishal by installing water wells. Many of those wells, she noted, remain operational even after 15 to 20 years.

Le Poole said that as people's economic conditions improved, demand shifted toward higher-quality water services. She added that household piped water connections offer substantial public health benefits, and many families are willing to pay for such services.

Dr. ATM Tarikul Islam, Country Director of MAX Foundation Bangladesh and Nepal, said the organization and MAX Social Enterprise have developed a business-based model for piped drinking water services in Barishal and Patuakhali.

Unlike aid- or grant-funded projects, he explained, the model is designed to sustain operations through affordable monthly payments made by participating households.

According to Dr. Tarikul, the initiative has established nearly 100 water grids so far and is gradually introducing solar power and automation to reduce operating costs and improve long-term financial sustainability.

He also said that improved access to piped water has contributed to reducing skin and waterborne diseases, while women have benefited from spending less time collecting water and enjoying improved sanitation and household hygiene facilities.

Others present during the visit included Claasen Inge, First Secretary (Water and Climate) at the Embassy of the Netherlands, Senior Financial Adviser Aminul Islam, and Yamin Faruq, Managing Director of MAX Social Enterprise.