Equitable allocation in water, sanitation and hygiene demanded

An analysis of government budget sees a declining trend of allocation in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for last four years. The allocation in FY 2010-11 was 2.4 percent of the total budget that disappointingly came down to only 1.2 percent in FY 2013-14. Although the ‘urban vs rural’ disparity in allocation has slightly been minimised in running year, it is not equitable yet. At present the ratio is 69:31. However, the allocation in coastal areas is disproportionately low; only one-fifth of the urban allocation. Government investment in coastal areas is stuck at a very limited budgetary allocation despite incremental salinity infestation in drinking water. This results in severe water and sanitation crisis for poor and marginal people; and impedes overall national development as well. International NGO WaterAid and Human Development Research Centre (HDRC) jointly organised a press briefing Saturday demanding equitable allocation of WASH budget over geo-hydrological disparity. Eminent economist and Chief Advisor (Hon.) of HDRC, Prof Dr Abul Barkat presented research findings on allocation and utilisation of WASH budget in recent years, accordingt to a press release.