K2-S/WOP Discussion with the EUD Bangladesh Following the DEV Mission

Following the completion of the Diagnostic and Enabling Visit (DEV) funded by GWOPA under its EU-WOP Programme in Khulna, Bangladesh, the partners under the Strengthening Khulna Water Supply and Sewerage Authority’s (KWASA) and Khulna City Corporation’s (KCC) Institutional Capacities for Sanitation Service Delivery (K2-S/WOP) application met with Hubert Blom of the European Union Delegation (EUD) Bangladesh to present key observations, updated work areas and outcomes for the proposed EU-funded Sanitation and Water Operator Partnership for Khulna City. The meeting sought to obtain the EUD’s comments and perspectives on the application to ensure alignment with its priority programs in the country. The DEV Mission was conducted on 1–5 February 2026 by Indah Water Konsortium as mentor, WaterLinks, and ICLEI South Asia as facilitators, with KCC and KWASA as mentees.

The meeting reviewed the proposed four-year partnership, which takes an end-to-end approach to sanitation: strengthening KCC’s fecal sludge management operations while preparing KWASA for the operation of two sewage treatment plants expected in 2027. Discussions focused on agency coordination, customer mapping, financial sustainability for desludging services, and operational readiness for wastewater management.

Mr. Blom welcomed the initiative, noting its potential relevance for EU-supported water and sanitation efforts. He highlighted the value of learning from Malaysia’s recent sanitation reforms and encouraged continued dialogue, regular updates, and potential collaboration if the proposal moves forward.