Tag: Bangladesh

Surbana Jurong wins railway project to improve sub-regional connectivity and trade in Bangladesh

Dhaka-Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar Rail Project Preparatory Facility
Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar rail route construction to begin in August (Image source: http://bit.ly/2t3fnPO)

In a joint venture with CANARAIL of Canada and Systra of France, SMEC and its subsidiary ACE Consultants have won the bid to provide consultancy services for the Dhaka-Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar Rail Project Preparatory Facility in southeastern Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh team will look into the upgrade of a double track along with the associated facilities for the proposed Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar railway line. Scope of services includes undertaking a feasibility and safeguard study, detailed design and tendering services.

The line will connect Cox’s Bazar district for the first time to the national and sub-regional railway network.

The 120km dual-gauge passenger line, from Chittagong’s Dohazari village to Xilongxa in Cox’s Bazar will enable future direct connectivity toward western Bangladesh and India, where railways are constructed mostly in broad gauge, as well as toward northeastern India and Southeast Asia. Cox’s Bazar is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country and a seamless double track is essential to address the demand for both passenger and freight transport services.

The greenfield project is one of seven investment sub-projects being undertaken by Bangladesh Railway. Marked by the Bangladeshi government as a fast-track project, the new line will also form part of the Trans-Asian Railway network connecting Bangladesh to its regional neighbours such as China, Myanmar and Thailand. It is expected to improve efficiency in implementing regional cooperation and facilitating cross-border railway traffic in Bangladesh.

The project is scheduled for completion in July 2021.

 

Celebrating World Water Day 2017

water africa
A boy samples the clean water. Image source: http://bit.ly/2n5qTnt

It is estimated that by 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortages due to rapid urbanisation. The Surbana Jurong Group provides innovative and sustainable water solutions for every aspect of the water cycle and invests in research, development and new technology including computer-aided design and flow simulation packages to enhance our capabilities.

As we mark World Water Day today, we are heartened to be able to help raise the livelihoods of local communities by improving access to water supply, sanitation and drainage services. Below are two significant water projects which we are proud to be part of.

Khulna Water Supply Project, Bangladesh

Bangladesh water
The project will help to provide access to safe drinking water to the residents of Khulna in Bangladesh

“As a result of the project, 490,000 people have been connected to a piped water network for the first time, and 220,000 people have received improved water supply services.”

This project was developed to secure a sustainable urban water supply for residents of Khulna in southwest Bangladesh.

In the city of 700, 000 people, more than 80% of its residents do not have access to a piped water supply. To ensure safe drinking water for the people of Khulna, the Government of Bangladesh and the Khulna Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (KWASA) sought to implement major capital works through the rehabilitation and strengthening of the water supply system as part of a long-term investment plan.

SMEC, member of the Surbana Jurong Group, provided management development support to KWASA, to transform it into a professionally managed corporate body.

Water Supply and Sanitation Improvement Project, Zambia

Water Supply and Sanitation

Urban areas of Lusaka will benefit from a reliable water supply and improved sanitation

“This project will help to increase access to a reliable water supply, and improve sanitation and drainage services in selected urban and peri-urban areas of Lusaka.”

Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia has a population of nearly two million people. Not all of its residents have access to a treated water supply and only 30% have waterborne sanitation.

Engaged by the Millennium Challenge Account-Zambia Limited (MCA-Zambia), SMEC provides programme management services for citywide water supply, sanitation, and drainage improvement works in Lusaka. Our role also includes ensuring MCA-Zambia’s compliance with environmental, health and safety standards.