TBT DESK

In a joint effort to improve health and wellbeing in rural and remote communities, Robi Axiata PLC. and the Give Bangladesh Foundation have established access to safe drinking water in Wakchaku Para, located in Thanchi upazila of Bandarban. The initiative was part of Robi’s CSR health programme and its broader commitment to sustainable community development.

For years, the residents of Wakchaku Para endured severe water scarcity. Through this initiative, 417 community members — including 134 school children — now have access to safe drinking water throughout the year.

As part of the project, two reservoirs with a combined capacity of 10,000 litres and a 2,500-foot-long pipeline have been installed, overcoming the challenges of the hilly terrain to ensure reliable water supply. The system naturally purifies water and continues to function seamlessly even during the monsoon season.

Residents no longer need to climb 1,500-foot-high hills to collect water from unsafe sources, reducing water collection time by nearly 70 percent. The saved time is now spent on education, livelihoods and household activities, while the risk of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, cholera and dysentery has significantly declined.

Commenting on the initiative, Shahed Alam, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer at Robi Axiata PLC, said: “Ensuring access to safe water is not just a basic necessity; it forms the foundation for health, education and a life of dignity. Robi is committed to supporting the upliftment of underserved communities, and this project stands as a reflection of that commitment.

Ahmed Fahmi, Executive Director of Give Bangladesh Foundation said, “Through creative engineering solutions and the active participation of local residents, we have built a sustainable water system that is already transforming lives in this remote region.”

This project directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Good Health and Wellbeing and Clean Water and Sanitation. As a responsible corporate entity, Robi continues to play an active role in advancing sustainable and inclusive development across Bangladesh.