Author(s): Gm Akram Hossain; Md. Nurul Islam
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Small scale water resources development sector project; People’s participation
Abstract: The Small Scale Water Resources Development Sector Project (SSWRDSP) aims to ensure sustainable agricultural production in about 190,000hectares of cultivated land and to alleviate poverty through income generation in the western half area of Bangladesh. The project (SSWRDSP) is a deviation from the traditional “top down” approach from the past investments in the water resources development sector. The project is under implementation by Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) and is jointly funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of Netherlands (GON). The local water resources development schemes are demand driven and are identified by the people based on local water related problem. The scheme planning, design and construction are done in consultation with stakeholders towards achieving sustainable agricultural growth. Beneficiary contribution amounting to 3% of earthworks (dykes and channel re-excavation) and 1.5% for water control structures of the investment costs, has been made mandatory. This arrangement has developed sense of ownership among the beneficiary farmers and they are taking responsibility in maintenance for longer-term sustainability of the completed system. This paper deals with the key features of the subproject development process, particularly the aspect of people's participation in the identification, planning, design and construction of rural water resources development schemes. To achieve intended benefit from these schemes, the issue of sustainable operation and maintenance (O&M) of the system by the beneficiaries has also been discussed in detail. In concluding it can be said that in the SSWRDSP water resource development is seen as a process of local people developing their physical environment. The LGED gets involved at the request of these people and the local stakeholders are the driving force during the whole process (LGED, 2000). The Guidelines for People's Participation in Water Management (GPP) recently finalized jointly by the Ministry of Water Resources (MOWR) and the Ministry of Local Government Division (LGD) also provide insight into people's participation in small scale water resources development projects (GPP, 2000).
Year: 2001