B Mirror Report: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $115.8 million loan to strengthen environmentally sustainable and resilient urban services in Narayanganj under the Narayanganj Green and Resilient Urban Development Project.

The initiative will focus on upgrading drinking water supply systems, modernizing drainage infrastructure, and expanding green public spaces across Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC). It also aims to enhance institutional capacity within NCC and local communities.

According to an ADB press release, the project is expected to benefit at least 400,000 residents, support efforts to reduce pressure on Dhaka, and strengthen governance and service delivery in one of Bangladesh’s key urban growth centers.

ADB Country Director for Bangladesh, Hoe Yun Jeong, said Narayanganj plays a vital role in the country’s urban transformation. He noted that as urbanization accelerates and environmental risks increase, improving urban services is both a development priority and an economic necessity.

He added that investments in reliable water supply, climate-resilient drainage, and inclusive green spaces along with stronger institutions will boost productivity, support economic growth, enhance environmental sustainability, and contribute to long-term human development.

The project aims to significantly improve water supply efficiency by reducing nonrevenue water to below 20 percent. This will be achieved through the replacement and expansion of around 230 kilometers of pipeline network, installation of metered household connections, and implementation of district metered area systems.

It will also introduce digital technologies, including supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, alongside improved online billing and revenue collection.

NCC’s water supply capacity is expected to increase from 113 million liters per day to 162 million liters per day through new tube wells, rehabilitation of existing water treatment facilities, and upgrades to current wells.

To enhance resilience against extreme weather and reduce urban flooding, the project will increase the share of surface water use to 51 percent and develop 22 kilometers of drainage infrastructure using nature-based solutions.

Additionally, the project includes the construction of inclusive green parks and the rehabilitation of a playground to improve urban livability and reduce heat effects. NCC will oversee the long-term operation and maintenance of these facilities.

Founded in 1966, the Asian Development Bank is a leading multilateral development institution supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific, with 69 member countries.