The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $115.8 million loan to strengthen environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient urban services in Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC), Bangladesh. The initiative will support infrastructure improvements in a key urban centre while contributing to broader efforts to ease pressure on Dhaka.
The Narayanganj Green and Resilient Urban Development Project will focus on upgrading drinking water supply systems, modernizing drainage networks, and expanding access to green public spaces. It also includes measures to enhance institutional capacity within NCC and local communities. The project is expected to benefit at least 400,000 residents and improve service delivery in the city.
“Narayanganj is central to Bangladesh’s urban transformation. As urbanization accelerates and environmental risks intensify, strengthening urban services is both a development and economic imperative,” said Hoe Yun Jeong. “Investments in reliable water supply, resilient drainage, and inclusive green spaces—combined with stronger institutions—will enhance productivity, support economic growth, advance environmental sustainability, and contribute to long-term human capital development.”
A central component of the project is improving water supply efficiency and reliability. Non-revenue water is expected to decrease to below 20% through the replacement and expansion of around 230 kilometres of pipeline network, alongside the installation of metered household connections and the introduction of district metered area systems. Digital tools, including supervisory control and data acquisition systems, will also be deployed, together with upgrades to billing and revenue collection processes.
Water production capacity in NCC is projected to increase from 113 million litres per day to 162 million litres per day through new tube wells, rehabilitation of the existing treatment plant, and upgrades to current wells. The project also includes the development of 22 kilometres of drainage infrastructure using nature-based solutions to reduce flooding, strengthen climate resilience, and support groundwater recharge. Inclusive green spaces, including parks and a rehabilitated playground, will further contribute to urban livability.
