The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) have signed a USD 2.5 Million agreement to strengthen safe, dignified and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services as part of the Rohingya response in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.  

The agreement, which was signed in Riyadh by Eng. Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz, KSrelief Assistant Supervisor General for Operations and Programs, and Othman Belbeisi, IOM Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, aims to support essential WASH services and improve critical infrastructure in areas supported by IOM. 

The project will combine essential service delivery with durable infrastructure improvements. Planned activities include upgrading solar-powered water networks; constructing and upgrading decentralized wastewater treatment systems; improving faecal sludge collection and transfer networks; and rehabilitating latrines and bathing facilities, among other activities. 

The initiative will also support distributing water containers, colour-coded waste bins and hygiene management kits; and strengthen community engagement and targeted training. These efforts will help reinforce local capacity and promote longer-term ownership of WASH services.  

“This agreement reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's continued commitment, through KSrelief, to supporting humanitarian responses with practical and sustainable solutions,” said Eng. Al-Baiz. “By strengthening essential water and sanitation infrastructure and introducing environmentally effective waste management, the project will help in protecting public health and improve daily living conditions within the Rohingya Refugee camps in Cox's Bazar.” Eng. Al-Baiz added.