Bangladesh
Karunaphli Water Supply Project（Phase 1&2）
Although being an Islamic country, People's Republic of Bangladesh (hereinafter referred to as "Bangladesh") experienced a period when social disorder continued, due to conflict and its independence, the economic growth of Bangladesh has been remarkable in recent years due to the booming of the apparel industry.
However, there had been little progress made in the improvement of the water infrastructure. Although the rainy season brings sufficient precipitation, the coverage of water supply system to provide clean water was very low. Ground water as an alternative water source was contaminated with arsenic. Safe and secure water supply to the citizens was therefore an urgent task. In response to that situation, the Bangladesh government signed an ODA loan agreement with the Japanese government. In 2011, we got the honor of undertaking our first project in Bangladesh under this agreement.
This project took place in Bangladesh's second largest city, Chattogram, which has been the country's largest port city for a long time and has grown even more rapidly in recent years. It was the first large-scale infrastructure project in Bangladesh. The project covers installation of 100km water pipeline: From intake point at Karnaphuli River (which flows into the Bay of Bengal) to the water treatment plant. From the water treatment plant to reservoirs. All the pipes were ductile iron pipes manufactured by Kubota Corporation.
The first phase of the project was completed on schedule after overcoming difficult challenges such as frequent general strikes called hartals and the characteristic tropical monsoon rainy season, in addition to the waves of people in the city and traffic conditions that can be described as chaos. Our accomplishment was highly rated and we could sign a contract for the 2nd phase of the construction, which we were able to complete in July 2019, after eight years of work from the starting of Phase 1 project.
As the result of this construction, the percentage of the population served by the water supply in Chattogram City is expected to improve from the 47% at the start of the construction to 85%. Previously, the water supply was only available for less than half a day, but the outage time is steadily decreasing.
The success of the project was partly due to the fact that we trained the local staff members to improve their technical skills and ensure thorough safety management. "Endeavor to develop local human resources and leave skills in water supply work in the country." This is one of the mottos of our company, which has been involved in international business for over 60 years.
*Details of this project can also be found in KUBOTA GLOBAL INDEX.
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