Netherlands keen to boost water and urban resilience cooperation in Chattogram
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bangladesh, Joris van Bommel, is set to visit Chattogram on 7 April as part of ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation in water management and sustainable urban development.
The visit comes at a time when Bangladesh’s second-largest city continues to grapple with persistent urban challenges, including waterlogging, inefficient drainage systems, and growing concerns over solid waste and wastewater management. Dutch engagement is expected to focus on practical, scalable solutions rooted in circular economy principles.
During his visit, Ambassador van Bommel will hold meetings with key local institutions, including the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), Chattogram Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (CWASA), and the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA). Discussions will also involve senior government officials, development partners, and private sector representatives, reflecting a broad-based approach to tackling the city’s infrastructure constraints.
A central part of the programme includes site visits to critical urban infrastructure facilities. The Ambassador is scheduled to inspect the Halishahar landfill, existing sewage treatment plants, and several drainage canals. These visits are aimed at gaining firsthand insight into operational challenges and identifying opportunities for integrated water and waste management systems.
The initiative builds on existing collaboration between the Netherlands and Bangladesh, particularly through pre-feasibility studies on Chattogram’s solid waste and drainage management, as well as circular approaches in water management. These studies, implemented by joint Dutch-Bangladeshi consortia, have laid the groundwork for future large-scale interventions.
Officials say the visit also signals a push to attract Foreign Direct Investment through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects. Such investments are expected to play a key role in transforming Chattogram’s urban infrastructure while ensuring long-term sustainability.
In the evening, a high-level networking dinner will be hosted in honour of the Ambassador. The event will bring together stakeholders from government, business, civil society, and development organisations, providing a platform to strengthen collaboration and explore new partnerships in urban infrastructure and circular economy solutions.
The Netherlands, widely recognised for its expertise in water management and climate adaptation, has long been a strategic partner for Bangladesh in addressing environmental and urban resilience challenges. This visit is expected to further reinforce that partnership, with a focus on co-developing solutions tailored to local needs and conditions.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Dhaka said the engagement reflects its continued commitment to supporting Bangladesh in building more liveable, resilient, and economically vibrant cities.
