IMPACT ARTICLE
Addressing the Water Crisis in Mymensingh
The Role of the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul
In Bangladesh, access to safe drinking water remains a significant challenge, particularly in the remote areas of Mymensingh. The Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, in collaboration with the local Catholic Church, have taken proactive steps to address this persistent issue. Sr. Maria Josephina, a key figure in this initiative, has shared insights into the program’s development, its impact, and the ongoing efforts to provide clean water to underserved communities.
Problem Limited Access to Clean Drinking Water
Mymensingh, located in the northern part of Bangladesh, is characterized by its hilly terrain and deep groundwater, which make it difficult for residents to access safe drinking water. The region’s geographical features complicate the installation of water infrastructure, leaving many communities without reliable sources of clean water. For years, local residents, particularly those in rural and tribal areas, have faced health risks due to contaminated water, with illnesses such as typhoid being prevalent. The lack of financial resources to install proper water systems further exacerbates the situation.
Sr. Maria Josephina, who has worked extensively in Mymensingh, recounted her personal experience with unsafe drinking water. “I fell ill multiple times from drinking water sourced from the hills. I contracted typhoid twice, which made me realize the urgent need for change,” she explained. This personal encounter with waterborne illness was the catalyst for the Sisters of Charity’s involvement in addressing the water crisis.
Solution Tube Wells and Community Engagement
In response to the water scarcity problem, Sr. Maria Josephina and her congregation initiated a project to install tube wells in the region. Tube wells, which are deep groundwater extraction systems, are particularly suited to the hilly and water-deficient landscape of Mymensingh. These wells provide access to cleaner and safer water compared to the surface sources traditionally relied upon by the local population.
The project began in 2013 with the installation of basic tube wells in collaboration with local priests and donors. By October 2024, 485 tube wells had been installed, primarily in Garo tribal areas, where a large portion of the local Catholic community resides. These tube wells serve not only Catholics but also members of other religious groups, including Muslims and Hindus, demonstrating the initiative’s inclusive nature.
A tube well consists of an iron pipe fitted with a solid steel point and lateral perforations near the tip. The pipe is driven deep into the ground until it reaches a water-bearing layer, after which a suction pump is attached to extract water. These wells are designed to provide a reliable and clean source of drinking water.
Challenges and Funding
While the installation of tube wells has had a positive impact, several challenges persist. The high cost of installing deep tube wells, which can range from 15,000 taka ($125) for a light tube well to 30,000 taka ($250) for a deep tube well, remains a significant obstacle. Many communities in Mymensingh are unable to afford the installation of such wells independently.
Moreover, while some older tube wells have ceased functioning due to the lack of maintenance or technological limitations, the Sisters of Charity have been focused on providing high-powered submersible pumps to replace or supplement these systems. The demand for new tube wells is particularly high in areas with dropping groundwater levels, further complicating the water access situation.
Fr. Torun Bonwary, the parish priest of Baromari, emphasized the growing concern regarding groundwater depletion, especially in areas near the Bangladesh-India border. “The groundwater levels are dropping, making it more difficult to access safe water,” he stated. Despite these challenges, the Sisters of Charity’s efforts continue to make a significant difference.
Impact Transforming Communities
The installation of tube wells has had a profound impact on local communities. Residents who once relied on unsafe water sources, such as streams and contaminated fountains, now have access to clean and safe drinking water. This improvement has had a direct effect on public health, reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases like typhoid and dysentery.
Shima Dafo, a 45-year-old Garo Catholic woman from the Baromari Parish, shared her gratitude for the tube well installed in her community. “We can now drink clean water, and this well serves the needs of my entire family of ten,” she said. “We received it just before Christmas, which made the holiday even more special.”
Similarly, Khakon Sangma, 50 years old, another beneficiary, expressed his appreciation. His family of twelve had been struggling with water that was contaminated with high levels of iron. “The nuns provided us with a solution—a deep tube well with a submersible pump. It has been a blessing,” he remarked. The installation of these wells has not only improved the water quality but also alleviated the strain on local resources.

Expansion of the Initiative
The initiative has continued to grow, with additional tube wells installed in 2023 and 2024. In particular, the Baromari Parish, home to the Marian pilgrimage site of Mary, Queen of Fatima, has benefited from the installation of four high-powered submersible pumps. These pumps ensure a reliable water supply for the tens of thousands of pilgrims who visit the site annually.
“Over the past two years, I have seen a significant improvement in the water supply during the pilgrimage,” said Ashim Mankhin, a regular visitor. Fr. Bonwary, the local parish priest, also acknowledged the importance of these efforts, stating, “The additional pumps have made a tremendous difference, ensuring a sufficient water supply for all the pilgrims.”
Future Plans and Sustainability
The Sisters of Charity’s water project is not only focused on immediate relief but also on long-term sustainability. The organization has allocated funds for six additional deep tube wells, which will further expand access to clean water in the region. Moreover, the success of this initiative has inspired other parish priests in the area to implement similar projects, benefitting both Catholic and non-Catholic communities.
Fr. Simon Hacha, the parish priest of Dorgachala in Mymensingh, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the urgency of the situation. “The people in my parish face severe water scarcity. We need to install more deep tube wells, but funding remains a critical issue,” he said.
The Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul have significantly improved access to safe drinking water in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. They have addressed a critical need in remote communities by installing tube wells and collaborating with local parishes. While challenges related to funding and groundwater depletion remain, the initiative has had a profound and lasting impact on the health and well-being of residents, providing a model for future efforts to ensure access to clean water in underserved regions.
Based on the original article by Sumon Corraya for ncronline.org.