Dighinala, Khagrachhari | 9–10 November 2026. Trinamul Unnayan Sangstha (TUS) organized a two-day technical capacity-building training programme for 16 community and school caretakers under the Increasing Access to Improved WASH Services in Bangladesh (I-WASH) Project.
The training took place at the TUS Branch Office, Kalabagan, Dighinala, with technical cooperation from Helvetas Bangladesh and support from charity: water. It aimed to strengthen local skills for operating, maintaining and carrying out minor repairs to water supply and WASH facilities.
Six Communities and Two Schools Represented
The 16 participants included 12 community caretakers and four school caretakers from Dighinala and Kabakhali Unions of Dighinala Upazila. They represented six community water supply facilities—Dakshin Pukur Ghat, Akshaymoni Para Tubewell-1, Akshaymoni Para Tubewell-2, Narikel Bagan, Muslim Para and Shukno Chhara—and two educational institutions, Jora Bridge School and Udalbagan High School.
Practical Training in Operation and Maintenance
Mr. Mongthoi Marma, Tubewell Mechanic at the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), served as the resource person. He provided instruction on the operation of water supply systems, the functions of tubewell components, routine inspections, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and basic repairs.
The sessions also addressed pipeline maintenance; taps, valves and fittings; solar-powered water supply systems; and cleaning and maintenance of water storage tanks. Participants discussed their roles and responsibilities for keeping community and school facilities functional.
Hands-on Exercises and Field Demonstrations
A key feature was the combination of classroom learning with hands-on demonstrations at water supply facilities. Caretakers observed and practised identifying technical faults, examining equipment and carrying out basic maintenance procedures. Field-based exercises provided opportunities to apply these skills to real infrastructure.
The training photographs also document the presentation of maintenance toolboxes to participants, supporting the practical focus of the programme.
Supporting Sustainable WASH Services
The training gave caretakers opportunities to strengthen their practical knowledge and confidence in routine maintenance and minor repairs. It is expected to promote local ownership, reduce avoidable service disruptions and contribute to the longer-term sustainability of community and school WASH infrastructure.
Participants expressed interest in additional advanced technical training. Regular follow-up, technical support and refresher sessions will be important to help caretakers apply their skills and keep water supply systems operational.
Through the I-WASH Project, Trinamul Unnayan Sangstha (TUS), in technical cooperation with Helvetas Bangladesh and with support from charity: water, continues to strengthen local capacity for sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene services.
Training Photo Gallery
Highlights from the caretaker training and practical demonstrations conducted on 9–10 November 2026 in Dighinala, Khagrachhari.
