Ensuring safe drinking water with an innovative advertising model

Project Trishna, a key initiative of Footsteps Bangladesh's future generation group, has unveiled an upgraded version of its public drinking water facility at the bustling Gulshan 2 junction in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Collaborating with Petronas and the Gulshan Traffic Police, they aim to provide secure drinking water to pedestrians, specifically focusing on police officers, sergeants, and street vendors.
Petronas, a well-known energy company recognised worldwide for its collaboration with Mercedes-Benz in Formula One, has extended its partnership with Footsteps by introducing an innovative approach. As part of this initiative, the public drinking water facility will be sustained through advertising space provided by Petronas near the water system. This arrangement ensures the continuous supply of high-quality drinking water on a daily basis. The Trishna water plant not only fulfils the requirement for safe drinking water but also utilises advertising to ensure its ongoing maintenance and servicing.
The inauguration ceremony for the drinking water facility took place recnetly with the presence of Footsteps Co-Founder and President Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, Footsteps Trustee Khondaker Zayed Ahsan, Petronas' Head of Business Development SM Golam Noor, and Gulshan Town and Traffic Inspector Md Azharul Haque.
Shah Rafayat Chowdhury stressed the revolutionary aspect of Project Trishna's new public model at the event. The initiative intends to generate cash for the routine maintenance and upkeep of the water system by strategically installing advertising space on public drinking water facilities throughout Dhaka's urban neighbourhoods. This long-term strategy ensures the continuous supply of high-quality drinking water. There are also plans to expand this model to other areas of Dhaka as well as significant cities such as Chittagong, Jashroe, and other urban areas in Bangladesh. This will be accomplished through collaborations with private companies and brands looking for low-cost advertising avenues.
Footsteps launched Project Trishna in 2015 with the goal of enabling clean water access in schools, public places, hospitals, and houses across 11 districts in Bangladesh. The initiative has benefited roughly 269,000 people since its beginning, considerably boosting their access to safe drinking water.