South and South-East Asia - Bangladesh
The goal of this five-year, USD 1.47 million project (1997-2002) was to assist the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) to improve its financial management capabilities and enhance its planning and operating abilities in water resource management. Cowater provided support in several key areas of the programme, namely: accounting policies and procedures, preparation of financial management manuals, human resources development (HRD), including gender equity, procurement of computer equipment and software, and the planning and implementation of a computerized financial accounting and reporting system. Training conducted using the “training of trainers” approach was provided to various accounts officers in accounting fundamentals, auditing techniques, computer operations and the use of accounting, word processing and spreadsheet software. By providing BWDB with a mechanism to maintain accurate financial information and produce timely reports, the managerial capabilities of the BWDB were greatly improved. This project was very successful in meeting planned objectives, according to an independent evaluation.
