Description

Urban slum populations, particularly in Dhaka, Bangladesh, face significant challenges in securing reliable and uncontaminated water sources, although access to safe drinking water is an essential human right. The study explores the complicated issue of safe drinking water access in Dhaka’s slum communities, exploring socio-economic conditions, coping strategies, and sustainable solutions. Grounded in Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR), the study prioritises collaboration and active community involvement, aligning seamlessly with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Clean Water and Sanitation (Goal 6) and Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11). The research employs a mixed-method design, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to address the research objectives comprehensively. The findings reveal a complex demographic background among Dhaka’s slum community and their coping strategies for the dearth of safe drinking water. The study also explores the community’s perception of government policies, revealing a sense of uncertainty and doubt. This research contributes valuable insights into the challenges of slum residents in accessing safe drinking water, emphasising the need for custom-made and comprehensive solutions. The findings inform evidence-based recommendations for sustainable interventions, policy changes, and community empowerment, aligning with global efforts to ensure equitable and safe drinking water access for all in rapidly growing urban centres.

Keywords: Water Scarcity, Slum, Coping Strategies, Sustainable Solutions, Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR), Community Initiatives.