The project team consists of the following organizations:
- Deltares;
- Akvo;
- Enviro Consultants Ltd.; and
- International Training Network Center – Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.
The partnership is supported by the Department of Environment (DoE) of Bangladesh and Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) of Bangladesh who are the beneficiaries of this project. A brief description of the project partners and beneficiaries, as well as their activities within the project, is given below.
Deltares
Deltares is an independent institute for applied research in the field of water, subsurface and infrastructure. Throughout the world, we work on smart solutions, innovations and applications for people, environment and society. Our main focus is on deltas, coastal regions and river basins. Managing these densely populated and vulnerable areas is complex, which is why we work closely with governments, businesses, other research institutes and universities at home and abroad. For Deltares, the quality of our expertise and advice is foremost. Knowledge is our core business. Deltares employs over 800 people and is based in Delft and Utrecht. As lead for this project, Deltares will be in charge of the project management and quality control aspects. In addition, Deltares will provide expert advice on water quality monitoring and designing the monitoring network system, including the set up the Delft-FEWS information platform.
Akvo
Akvo creates open-source, internet and mobile software and sensors. We work with people, improving infrastructure and services for disadvantaged populations. We focus on making international development and country governance more effective, transparent and collaborative. Around the world, we help our partners act to improve the management of water, sanitation, agriculture, health, energy, education, and the environment. Akvo employs over 80 people, with offices in 8 cities around the world. As partner for this project, Akvo will provide the Android-based smartphone app (Akvo Caddisfly) for water quality monitoring. Local stakeholders will be instructed by Akvo staff to use this app, and then the app will be tested in a field-scale pilot for 12-18 months. Improvements and adjustments will be made as needed.
Enviro Consultants Ltd. (ECL)
ECL is a local consulting firm (less than 10 staff) active in environmental monitoring. They have already done several surveys on river quality monitoring for both the DoE and DWASA, and have an extensive network in both the public and private sectors. ECL is interested in this cooperation project to strengthen their experience in innovative monitoring and reporting systems.
International Training Network Center – Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (ITN-BUET)
ITN-BUET was established at BUET in 1996 as a collaboration between BUET, the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), and the Water and Sanitation Programme of the World Bank (WB). Since then, ITN-BUET has been working on water supply and wastewater management issues, maintaining a close liaison with the sector’s professionals. Their two key activities are: conducting research on a number of prevailing issues in the water supply and sanitation sectors; and organizing training courses for professionals working in the water sector for various governmental and non-governmental organizations. ITN-BUET employs approximately 25 staff. ITN-BUET will play an important role in disseminating the experiences obtained from this project by including the new methods and technologies in their curricula and professional/vocational training courses on Environmental Engineering.
Department of Environment (DoE)
The DoE, as an executive environmental agency, is responsible for water quality and water pollution control in Bangladesh. They employ approximately 400 people. The DoE has shown a keen interest in the project since it will strengthen their capacity and will help them to develop and implement a water pollution control strategy.
Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA)
DWASA is responsible for both sanitation and drinking water supply and employs over 1,000 people. At present, groundwater is used as the main source for drinking water. However, as groundwater resources are depleted, surface water will be used more and more to fulfil increasing water demands. Therefore, DWASA has a keen interest in the improvement and protection of surface water quality.
