Experts for more private sector involvement

Experts have underscored the need for more involvement of the private sector to achieve the Delta Plan 2100 sustainably.

They have urged the government to strengthen the capacities of ministries and departments concerned and emphasised using modern technologies.

They have also called upon the authorities concerned to revise and update the plans every two to five years to ensure sustainable development.

The experts came up with the observations at a seminar, titled “Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100: Private Sector Involvement to achieve a Safe, Climate-Resilient and Prosperous Delta,” organised by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) at its office in Dhaka on Saturday.

Presenting the keynote paper, Dr Md Mizanur Rahman, former additional director general (planning, design, and research) of the Bangladesh Water Development Board, said the effective engagement of the private sector will generate sizable resources to finance the Delta Plan.

Water treatment, water supply, sewage treatment, and the agricultural sector and irrigation water supply could be prospective areas to attract private investments through public-private partnerships (PPP), he said.

Coastal zone land reclamation has the potential for building wave energy and wind energy production park, new deep sea port development, exclusive housing, and tourism developments, explained Dr Mizanur.

There is a strong private sector interest in undertaking dredging contracts. Combining land reclamation with dredging in a PPP concession framework would make very good sense. The PPP initiative is also possible in establishing river port infrastructure for inland water transport, he added.

FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin said private sector engagement is crucial for the sustainable development of the long-term plan.

The government should reform the duty structure in dredging machine import. There are around 700 rivers in the country, but they are not utilised properly due to a lack of knowledge, he added.

The apex trade body chief also underscored the need for modern waste management. “We should increase the linkage between academy and industry for the sake of the country’s development.”

Water expert Professor Emeritus Dr Ainun Nishat said there is nothing new in the Delta Plan. However, the ministries concerned should increase technological adjustment alongside the capacity building.