Expression of Interest For Scoping Study For Identifying Bankable Project Leads In Water Reuse And Recycling In Bangladesh

Expression of Interest for Scoping Study for Identifying Bankable Project Leads in Water Reuse and Recycling in Bangladesh Bangladesh faces mounting water stress due to the impacts of climate change, rapid urbanization, and industrialization. Intensive groundwater extraction, driven by rapid urban development and population growth, is significantly depleting the aquifers. Unsustainable groundwater extraction is also prevalent across several key industries in Bangladesh, including the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) and the leather industry. These industries also pollute the local ecosystem, undermining their own long-term global reputation and business sustainability. At the same time, Climate change is exacerbating both problems: longer, hotter dry spells reduce river flows and increase water demand, erratic monsoons and intense downpours contaminate waterways. For ensuring proper water management, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has implemented several innovative public sector projects and is promoting private sector participation through Public-Private Partnership (PPP). Several water PPP projects have obtained CENA approval, and PPP Authority is gradually moving towards the transaction process for these projects[1]. Global Brands operating in Bangladesh are also working as partners to ensure industrial wastewater treatment. As global standards and due diligence rules become more stringent, there is increasing scrutiny on the environmental impact of the apparel sector, particularly regarding water usage and pollution. This has prompted brands to promote water-efficient technologies, enforce stricter chemical controls, and ensure verified outcomes across high-risk supplier clusters. Brand-led initiatives such as the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC), alongside donor-supported pilot programs like IFC PaCT and SMEP, are all contributing to the development of wastewater recovery facilities in Bangladeshs RMG factories. At the same time, many local RMG factories recognise that the adoption of advanced waterrecovery technologies can help them fulfil emerging due diligence expectations (e.g., EU rules) and buyer frameworks. Recently, Fakir Knitwear of Bangladesh implemented Panta Reis pioneering wastewater recovery facility for reducing freshwater withdrawal and wastewater discharge by 2530%[2]. Similar innovative approaches are emerging in other industries. For instance, the Apex tanning unit has obtained Bangladeshs first LWG Gold status with a traceability A rating[3]. Subsequently, Riff Leather, SAF Industries, Superex Leather, and ABC Leather obtained LWG certification. While different Business to Business (B2B) and PPP projects are gradually making progress, Bangladesh needs to accelerate its efforts to achieve SDG6.3 and 6.4. The GoB acknowledges its responsibility in this initiative, but mobilizing private sector involvement and capital is also essential. Developing commercially viable projects for private sector participation can be a challenging and time-consuming process without a clear, phased plan. The process begins with identifying commercially viable project leads, which should be based on realistic business cases. Once these viable project leads are identified (hereafter referred to as phase one), it is possible to design innovative water projects that are suitable for private sector participation (hereafter referred to as phase two). The World Banks 2030 Water Resources Group in Bangladesh recognise the need to first identify[4] bankable water projects (phase one) and subsequently support the GoB in the implementation of projects (phase two). Tender Link : https://wbgeprocure-rfxnow.worldbank.org/rfxnow/public/advertisement/6144/view.html

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