Denmark support to help tackle Dhaka’s water crisis: LGRD minister

Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said on Tuesday that Denmark’s support will help Bangladesh address Dhaka’s growing demand for safe drinking water and tackle the capital’s water crisis.
During a meeting with Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh Christian Brix Møller at his office at the Secretariat, the minister said Denmark could become an important partner in Bangladesh in water supply, waste management and development assistance, including investment in infrastructure projects.
The meeting discussed strengthening bilateral ties, expanding cooperation in water supply and waste management, and exploring Danish investment in development projects.
Ambassador Møller congratulated Dr Moyeen Khan on assuming his new responsibilities and expressed hope that Bangladesh-Denmark relations and cooperation would be further strengthened.
The minister highlighted opportunities for Danish investment in waste-to-energy projects, saying they could improve waste management while generating energy.
The two sides also discussed Danish financing for the Sayedabad Water Treatment Plant Project (Phase III). 
Under the proposed arrangement, Denmark will provide around Tk4,500 crore, including Tk1,500 crore in grants and Tk3,000 crore in low-interest loans.
Speaking to reporters, the LGRD state minister, who also had attended the meeting, described the financing as a major achievement, saying the project would help meet Dhaka’s growing demand for safe drinking water while reducing the government’s financial burden.