Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 6 March 2024 – The “Building Knowledge and Awareness on Sustainable Sanitation Solutions” (BKASSS) project celebrated a significant milestone with its first Steering Committee meeting held after one year of implementation. Chaired by Amirzoda Abdukholik, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Protection of the Population, the meeting brought together key stakeholders to review progress, discuss challenges, and strategize for the future.
In his opening and welcoming remarks, Amirzoda Abdukholik underscored the importance of the BKASSS project in addressing pressing sanitation challenges and improving public health outcomes in Tajikistan. He emphasized the need for collective action and partnership to ensure the project’s success.
The BKASSS project, funded by the Government of Switzerland and implemented by Equidev jointly with its partners BORDA and Oxfam Consults, aims to improve the health condition of the Tajikistan population through access to sustainable sanitation services and improved hygiene behaviors.
“I am very happy and proud that through “Building Knowledge and Awareness on sustainable Sanitation Solutions” project, Switzerland makes contribution to achievement of SDG 6 in Tajikistan. Meaning: clean water and sanitation for all. By investing in innovative sanitation solutions, we can create healthier and more resilient environment for future generations” -highlighted Salome Steib, Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Tajikistan during the opening speech.
During the Steering Committee meeting, representatives from the implementing organizations delivered detailed presentations, highlighting the project’s achievements, completed activities, challenges, and lessons learned. It was mentioned that the series of workshops on Decentralized Sanitation Solutions conducted at national and regional levels in fall 2023, attracted the attention and the interest of donors, government, and international organizations to scaling up this innovative approach.
The participants engaged in fruitful discussions on various aspects of the project, including the progress of construction of a new Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System (DEWATS) in the Faizobod district, comprehensive assessment of DEWATS performance, development of a new educational course on DEWATS for the Tajik Technical University, etc.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards the shared objectives of the BKASSS project.
More information about the project: https://rb.gy/41hhin
More information about the Swiss activities in Tajikistan: www.eda.admin.ch/tajikistan
