Objective:
To improve access to arsenic free drinking water ensure proper health care facilities, make people aware of dangers of arsenic poisoning, and provide training in income generation techniques for enhanced better livelihood. 

The project titled ‘Enhancing Environmental Health by Community Organizations (EEHCO) in Chittagong City’ aimed to achieve the following specific objectives through its set of activities:

1. All slum CBOs and Ward Citizen Committees, which were formed under ASEH, became capable of undertaking the overall management of WatSan-related issues for sustainability and played an active advocacy role, contributing to improved community resilience and enhanced livelihood opportunities.

2. The practice of hygienic behavior among targeted beneficiaries living in the working slums of Chittagong City increased significantly due to the active role of HP volunteers and CBOs, leading to improved health conditions and better economic productivity.

3. A City Civil Society Organization’s (CSO) WatSan Network was formed and became active in raising various WatSan rights-based issues to the concerned authorities. It also functioned effectively in undertaking relevant advocacy initiatives, ensuring long-term improvements in public health and livelihood conditions.

4. A city-wide solid waste management plan was developed, involving GO-NGO-Community collaboration. All slums under the selected three wards of ASEH were brought under an improved solid waste management system, creating employment opportunities in waste collection and recycling, thereby contributing to enhanced livelihood for community members.

5. The city authority became more responsive to slum dwellers, incorporating them into their yearly planning process, while the CDA included slums in its master plan. This inclusion facilitated better access to basic services, creating a more stable environment for improved living standards and economic opportunities.

During the project period, NGO Forum successfully completed various hardware, hygiene promotion, capacity-building, and advocacy activities as per the plan. Along with its local partner, SHARAN, NGO Forum placed strong emphasis on achieving all project targets. A total of 11 Semi-Deep Tube Wells (TWs) were installed, benefiting 1,071 individuals. Additionally, 7 sanitation facilities were constructed, providing coverage for 731 beneficiaries. Moreover, 6 Solid Waste Collection Vans were distributed, benefiting 2,490 households (approximately 11,000 beneficiaries). Besides these, 4 existing vans in the community were repaired, covering 1,480 households and 6,650 beneficiaries. These infrastructure developments contributed to improved health outcomes, reducing medical expenses and enhancing the economic stability of the beneficiaries.

Furthermore, during the project period, a total of 20 CBO community situation analyses were conducted, and the same number of community action plans were reviewed by the respective CBOs. Regular meetings of CBOs and WCAC continued throughout the project period, ensuring sustained community engagement and empowerment.

To strengthen community capacity in Hygiene Promotion (HP) Observation & Facilitation, Leadership, Management, Advocacy & Negotiation, and Health Hazard Issues, 61 training sessions were organized, with 1,191 participants, including CBO members, WCAC members, volunteers, caretakers of TWs, and members of the WatSan management committee and community. Additionally, NGO Forum conducted a training workshop for City CSO WatSan Network members on rooted advocacy, where 18 participants took part. These capacity-building initiatives enabled community members to take on leadership roles. 

During the project period, NGO Forum also organized a sharing workshop on ‘Community-Based Solid Waste Collection and Primary Disposal System’ for the Chittagong City Corporation. Moreover, a coordination mechanism was established between governmental and non-governmental organizations to enhance collaboration and sustainability, further supporting long-term community development and improved livelihood prospects.