Environmental
Estimated 30–35 MWh of annual clean energy, reducing reliance on unstable grid supply and backup fuels.
01. Overview
A targeted infrastructure response to a recurring failure.
Coastal southern Bangladesh remains highly exposed to salinity intrusion, fragile infrastructure, and unstable electricity supply. In Rampal Upazila of Bagerhat District, school water and sanitation systems have become unreliable not because infrastructure is entirely absent, but because electricity is unstable enough to leave water pumps non-functional.
Across six selected schools, children face daily water scarcity, unsafe sanitation conditions, and compromised hygiene. Toilets are often dry or dependent on manually carried pond water, safe drinking water is unavailable in most schools, and functional handwashing stations are virtually absent.
The Proposed Intervention
Installing decentralized rooftop solar photovoltaic systems to power water pumps and restore functional WASH facilities. This ensures uninterrupted electricity for water supply, protecting child health, dignity, and educational continuity.
02. Context
Why Rampal, and why this bottleneck matters.
Immediate Operational Pressures
- Connections exist, but load shedding makes pumps fail.
- Pond water is manually carried for flushing in multiple schools.
- Students frequently bring drinking water from home.
- Learning time is lost to water management and sanitation disruption.
Impact on Girls
Limited privacy and lack of reliable water make it exceedingly difficult to manage menstrual hygiene with dignity, directly affecting attendance and comfort.
Target School Demographics
Student distribution across the six selected climate-vulnerable schools.
| Institution Name | Student Body |
|---|---|
| Borokathali Govt. Primary School | 320 |
| Aruadanga Govt. Primary School | 220 |
| Shikirdanga Govt. Primary School | 187 |
| Kalekharber Tremuhini Govt. Primary School | 156 |
| Bhojpatia Hazi Junab Ali Govt. Primary School | 197 |
| Talbunia Uttorpara Govt. Primary School | 178 |
| Total Beneficiaries | 1,258 |
03. ESG Architecture
Strategic alignment and impact architecture.
Social
Functional WASH access for 1,258 students, including more dignified menstrual hygiene conditions.
Health
Restored access to safe water and more consistent handwashing, improving the school hygiene environment.
Governance
Transparent reporting, technical review, and active School WASH Committees support responsible delivery.
04. Technical Design
Decentralized rooftop solar supporting essential WASH systems.
Each school receives a decentralized rooftop solar system sized between 3–5 kW depending on student population and water demand. The systems will power energy-efficient pumps connected to safe water sources and overhead storage tanks.
Core Energy Scope
Solar PV panels, cyclone-resilient mounting, hybrid inverter with MPPT, energy-efficient pumps, and lightning protection.
WASH Scope
Overhead storage tanks, upgraded handwashing stations, rehabilitated toilets, with generation dedicated to sanitation needs.
Operating Logic
1
Grid Instability
Electricity outages prevent pumps from filling storage tanks, leaving sanitation systems dry.
2
Solar Restores Power
Dedicated solar generation keeps pumping functional even during total grid failure.
3
WASH Supports Learning
Reliable water access improves hygiene, protects dignity, and minimizes learning disruption.
05. Timeline
Implementation Phasing
-
M1
Technical Assessment & Design Months 1–2
Infrastructure audits, water demand analysis, structural feasibility, and community engagement.
-
M3
Installation & Commissioning Months 3–5
Procurement, integration, WASH rehabilitation, safety setup, and stress testing.
-
M6
Capacity Building & Monitoring Months 6–24
Training for School WASH Committees, maintenance protocols, and performance monitoring.
06. Risk Management
Durability & Upkeep
Sustainability relies on reduced dependence on unreliable grids, elimination of recurring fuel costs, and a structured transition to school-level responsibility.
Coastal Weather Exposure
Cyclone-resilient mounting and corrosion-resistant materials support long-term structural durability.
Institutional Transition
World Vision oversight during the first 24 months enables a phased handover to school management.
07. Financials
Indicative Capital Allocation
| Sl. | Programme Line Item | Per School (BDT) | 6 Schools Total (BDT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Area survey, planning and community engagement | 25,000 | 150,000 |
| 2 | Training, awareness campaigns and monitoring | 25,000 | 150,000 |
| 3 | Civil work | 270,000 | 1,620,000 |
| 4 | Sanitary and plumbing work | 100,000 | 600,000 |
| 5 | Septic tank (30 users) with ring pit, manhole cover, inspection pit | 120,000 | 720,000 |
| 6 | Tubewell (shallow) | 40,000 | 240,000 |
| 7 | Submersible/centrifugal pump with fittings | 40,000 | 240,000 |
| 8 | Solar system (panel, battery, structure, converter, wiring) | 250,000 | 1,500,000 |
| Total Programme Cost (A) | 5,220,000 | ||
| 7% Overhead (B) | 365,400 | ||
| Grand Total Budget (incl. overhead) | 5,585,400 | ||
BDT 4,439
Approx. $36 USD per student
The proposal specifies durable components, solar systems, reinforced septic tanks, and permanent structures. The rationale is clear: higher upfront investment reduces maintenance disruption and supports longer-term ESG outcomes.
A replicable model for coastal resilience.
Powering Dignity addresses a specific operational barrier to education. By installing rooftop solar-powered WASH systems, the initiative creates a visible and measurable link between renewable energy, public health, and learning continuity.
World Vision Bangladesh