Denmark to Finance Phase 3 of Dhaka's Saidabad Water Treatment Plant
Bangladesh and Denmark have held a high-level meeting in Dhaka to discuss bilateral ties, water supply, and waste management cooperation. During the talks, Danish financing was confirmed for the third phase of the Saidabad Water Treatment Plant project.
High-ranking officials from Bangladesh and Denmark convened for a significant bilateral meeting in Dhaka on August 25 to discuss strengthening bilateral relations, expanding cooperation in water supply and waste management, and boosting investment. The diplomatic engagement took place at the Secretariat, bringing together key representatives from both nations to deliberate on critical urban infrastructure challenges and developmental partnerships.
The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of Denmark, Christian Brix Møller, alongside the Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives. Other key officials present during the discussions included Md. Shahe Alam, Md. Shahidul Hasan, and Md. Aminul Islam, representing the relevant administrative bodies, the local ministry, the Danish Embassy, and Dhaka WASA.
A central focus of the discussions was the financial arrangement for the third phase of the Saidabad Water Treatment Plant project. According to Channel 24, the total estimated cost for the construction of this major water infrastructure project stands at 16 billion taka. The project is designed to enhance the capital's municipal water treatment capacity significantly.
To support this massive undertaking, Denmark has committed a substantial financial package totaling 4.5 billion taka for the Saidabad Water Treatment Plant project (Phase 3). This funding structure includes 1.5 billion taka provided as a direct grant, alongside 3 billion taka extended through low-interest loan assistance, easing the fiscal responsibility on the host government.
Highlighting the strategic importance of this international partnership, Mir Shahe Alam remarked that Denmark's cooperation in the third phase of the Saidabad Water Treatment Plant represents a major success for the government. He emphasized that once the project is fully implemented, it will be capable of addressing and mitigating a large portion of the steadily increasing pressure for safe drinking water in Dhaka city.
Furthermore, Mir Shahe Alam noted the financial relief provided by the arrangement, stating that the substantial funding from Denmark ensures the implementation of the project will not place an overwhelming financial burden on the government. The collaboration underscores the ongoing commitment of both countries to sustainable urban development and improved public services.
