Athena Infonomics, along with WaterAid Bangladesh, recently partnered with the CWIS FSM Support Cell, Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), Government of Bangladesh, to support a transformative effort aimed at improving access to water supply, sanitation, and solid waste management services across urban municipalities. Through a comprehensive study conducted in five cities, we generated critical evidence on both the state of infrastructure and the institutional environment shaping service delivery.
To assess infrastructure, we applied diagnostic tools such as Shit Flow Diagrams, Waste Flow Diagrams, and the Outcome components of the Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) framework. These helped visualize how services are functioning on the ground. In parallel, we examined the enabling environment – looking at regulatory frameworks, accountability mechanisms, and resource planning – using the Function components of the CWIS framework and the City Service Delivery Assessment tool.
The insights from this study are now being used to engage municipal and national stakeholders in meaningful dialogue around institutionalizing the CWIS approach. By addressing systemic challenges, strengthening institutional capacity, and fostering political commitment, this work lays the foundation for more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable urban services in Bangladesh.
