What is AQUA PROGRAM?
AQUA PROGRAM is a joint project with a jewelry brand “4℃” and Japan Water Forum.
It aims to bring “beauty” and “inspire” to the women in developing countries who face serious water and hygiene problems by addressing water issues.
Since its establishment in 2008, projects have been carried out in the Republic of Kiribati, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
▼AQUA PROGRAM official website▼
https://www.fdcp.co.jp/Page/aquaprogram/?bid=4c-jewelry
AQUA PROGRAM contributes to achieving SDGs.
Outline of the 4℃ AQUA PROGRAM 2023
１）Project Site
Morrelganj Upazila, Bagerhat District, Khulna Division, Bangladesh
２）Project period
From October 2023 to June 2024
３）Local partner
Skywater Bangladesh Ltd.
４）Background
Unlike urban settings, water supply systems are absent in the rural areas of Bangladesh, and it is less likely for the areas to have such systems implemented in near future. Therefore, people in the areas where the project is targeting at are relying on ponds and wells for drinking water. However, the quality of such water is not good and securing safe drinking water is hard to attain.
Women and children are the most affected as they are to bear burden to secure drinking water. Every day, they have to go far away from home to get some water from a water pond or well, at the expense of the time for household works and education.
Also, drinking poor-quality water often causes water borne diseases such as diarrhea, which requires additional medical cost for families who are already suffer from poor income in the farming community.
５）Project plan
The project will install a rainwater harvesting AMAMIZU tank system for each family of the targeting village, which enables storing rainwater for drinking purpose. Furthermore, the villagers will be trained to use, maintain, and manage the system appropriately so that they can maintain the system for themselves.
Main activities;
- Install rainwater harvesting AMAMIZU tank systems for households in the farming area.
- Conduct trainings regarding the usage and maintenance/management of the rainwater harvesting system.
- Conduct knowledge and experience workshop among former and new project beneficiary families.
- Follow-ups: Status review and guidance on the usage and maintenance/management, as well as quality test of the rainwater stored in the system.
６）Beneficiaries
40 households
７）Potential impacts
- Women and children will be freed from the burden to get water from distant sources.
- People in the rural neighborhood will be able to access safe drinking water by utilizing rainwater.
- Expenses of medication and medical treatment for water-borne diseases caused by drinking water of conventional way will be reduced.
Beneficiaries of AQUA PROGRAM2022
(Reported by Takejiro Suzuki, Project Manager)
