An evaluation of a household credit program for water and sanitation in urban Dhaka

This paper examines the impacts of a household credit program for water and sanitation services in three slums in urban Dhaka, Bangladesh. The projects were funded by WaterPartners International (WPI) in the United States and implemented by Dustha Shasthya Kendra (DSK), a non-governmental organization based in Bangladesh. WPI and DSK have partnered to implement WaterCredit programs in Bangladesh for five years – making this project one of the longest-running credit programs of its kind. The study was conducted by independent researchers at the Bangladesh University of Engineering Technology (BUET) in 2008. Results indicate high use and satisfaction with improved water and sanitation supplies, strong loan repayment rates, and active participation among beneficiaries. The study recommended stronger local government involvement, small business development, and post-construction support to enhance program benefits and long-term sustainability.