By Farid
Ahmed Sagar,
30 September, 2026
For Rozina, a permanent resident of Akkelpur village in Ward 7 of Nilganj Union, access to safe and reliable water has always been a challenge. During the dry season, particularly in summer and winter, ponds would often dry up, forcing her family to travel long distances to collect water. Tube-well water was also difficult to use because of its high iron content, creating additional challenges for cooking and other household needs.
These challenges became more severe in this coastal community, where seasonal freshwater scarcity and salinity intrusion increase the risk of water insecurity. Recognising the importance of restoring existing community water resources, Friendship, through the CIDRR–Coastal Project Phase 3, supported the re-excavation of an old pond in Akkelpur that had remained largely unused for around 34 years. The intervention was not only an infrastructure improvement, but it was also a community-led disaster risk reduction initiative. After assessing 8–9 ponds, the Akkelpur pond was prioritised based on accessibility, community demand and its potential to serve multiple purposes. The Upazila and Union Administrations also recommended the pond for restoration.
The restoration brought together external support and strong community contribution. The total cost was BDT 143,500, while the community mobilised BDT 78,500, including BDT 44,800 in cash, as well as labour for remaining site preparation, soil management and earthwork, while community members contributed to the work that followed. This shared investment strengthened local ownership and responsibility for maintaining the pond as a common resource. Today, the restored pond benefits 43 households, approximately 229 people and the local mosque. For Rozina’s family, the change is tangible: “Since the pond was re-excavated, our water problems have reduced significantly. We now have water in the pond almost throughout the year, which we use for cooking, bathing and other household activities. Most importantly, we no longer have to travel far to collect water.”
The restored pond is also helping households prepare for seasonal water stress. According to Rozina, her husband, Belal Hawlader, is using the available water to support their vegetable gardening, while the pond stores rainwater during the monsoon and helps retain a water source into the dry season.
At community
level, the pond now provides opportunities for agriculture while improving
access to freshwater during periods of scarcity. By restoring an existing water
resource and the community labour and financial contribution, the initiative
has reduced vulnerability to water-related risks while strengthening community
preparedness and ownership.
For Akkelpur, the pond is therefore more than a restored water body. It is a community-initiated resilience asset that helps households cope with seasonal freshwater shortages, supports livelihoods, and strengthens local capacity to face climate-related and disaster risks.
“We are truly grateful for the support from Friendship. This initiative has made a meaningful difference in our daily lives,” said Rozina.