The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $115.8 million loan aimed at improving environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient urban services in Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC), Bangladesh.
The Narayanganj Green and Resilient Urban Development Project will focus on upgrading drinking water supply systems, modernising drainage infrastructure, and expanding green public spaces. It will also strengthen institutional capacity within NCC and among local communities. The project is expected to benefit at least 400,000 residents, support government efforts to reduce congestion in Dhaka, and reinforce governance and service delivery in one of Bangladesh’s major urban growth centres, according to an ADB press release.
"Narayanganj is central to Bangladesh`s urban transformation. As urbanisation accelerates and environmental risks intensify, strengthening urban services is both a development and economic imperative," said ADB Country Director for Bangladesh Hoe Yun Jeong.
"Investments in reliable water supply, resilient drainage, and inclusive green spaces-combined with stronger institutions-will enhance productivity, support economic growth, advance environmental sustainability, and contribute to long-term human capital development," he added.
The project is expected to significantly enhance water supply efficiency and reliability by reducing nonrevenue water to below 20%. This will be achieved through the replacement and expansion of a 230-kilometre pipeline network, installation of metered household connections, and adoption of district metered area systems.
It will also introduce digital technologies, including supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and strengthen online billing and revenue collection mechanisms.
NCC’s water supply capacity is projected to rise from 113 million litres per day to 162 million litres per day through the installation of new tube wells, rehabilitation of the existing water treatment plant, and upgrades to existing wells.
To improve resilience against extreme weather events, reduce flooding, and enhance groundwater recharge, the project will increase the share of surface water across NCC to 51% and develop 22 kilometres of drainage infrastructure using nature-based solutions.
The project will also construct inclusive green parks and rehabilitate a playground to improve livability and reduce urban heat. NCC will be responsible for the long-term operation and maintenance of these facilities.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific.
Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members, 50 from the region.
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