A high-level Dutch delegation visited the proposed Dhaka Canals Project site at Kallyanpur Pump Station, marking a clear move toward new partnerships to tackle urban water challenges through public-private partnerships and practical technology solutions. The delegation, led by the Netherlands’ vice-minister for international cooperation and joined by embassy staff and the Dutch ambassador, met city officials, engineers and planners to inspect the site and hold a roundtable discussion on private sector engagement and innovation for drainage, waste and wastewater management. Local officials, including the administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation and senior engineers, described the city’s pressing needs and asked for help to boost local skills and technical capacity. Speakers noted that city corporations cannot take foreign grants directly, so carefully designed PPPs can bring in private investment and technical know-how while keeping public oversight. Dutch speakers said their long partnership with Bangladesh can now shift from aid toward business-driven projects that are built to last, and they pointed to pilot work and the Bangladesh Delta Plan as clear paths for scaling up. The roundtable looked at practical steps such as testing new drainage methods, setting up joint training programmes, improving quality checks, and designing shared services that small firms can offer across many projects. Both sides agreed that private firms, local contractors and public bodies must work with clear rules on testing, certification and finance to make projects move quickly and fairly. The meeting also highlighted examples of small pilots that could be tried fast to show results, reduce flooding and keep streets and homes drier after heavy rain. Organisers said projects that bring in clean technology, better pumps and smarter waste handling can lower long term costs and make neighbourhoods healthier. Attendees praised the role of trade and communications teams that can help link Dutch companies with local partners and with city agencies, so contracts are transparent and work starts soon after plans are agreed. Officials said training for local technicians and managers will be a priority so that new systems are kept in good order and local workers gain lasting skills. The visit closed on a hopeful note, with both sides promising follow up work to shape pilot projects, prepare business models, and look at ways to use private investment alongside public planning. If the plans move ahead, cities could gain more reliable drainage, better waste treatment and a stronger base of local firms and skilled workers ready to keep systems running for years to come. Stakeholders said they will create a clear timeline, invite private partners to propose pilot designs, and set measurable targets so projects can show benefits quickly while building trust for larger investments that protect homes, jobs and local economies and sustain growth.
