PepsiCo, Brac work to increase safe water access in Cox’s Bazar

PepsiCo Foundation has launched a pilot programme with Brac, ahead of the World Water Day, to increase safe water access in the Cox's Bazar district.

Under the programme, PepsiCo and Brac will support local water entrepreneurs in establishing water treatment plants to sustainably provide affordable, clean water to community members, according to a press release.

Brac will also support local groups to raise awareness about the importance of safe water and handwashing, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, it adds.

So far, PepsiCo Foundation has helped more than 5.5 crore people gain access to safe water globally since 2006, the press release claims, adding, the foundation also catalysed nearly $70 crore in additional funding over the same period to support safe water access investments in partnership with leading non-profits worldwide.

According to Debasish Deb, country manager, PepsiCo Bangladesh said, "PepsiCo Foundation truly understands the need for clean and safe water access to every individual on this planet. As part of our company's Winning with Purpose vision, we are piloting a project in Bangladesh in partnership with Brac which aims at helping communities effectively conserve, manage, and distribute water."

The world is currently in the midst of a water crisis– 1 in 10 people lack access to safe drinking water and up to 700 million people are projected to be displaced by intense water insecurity as early as 2030.

The need for rapid intervention in this crisis has grown more dire during the Covid-19 pandemic. Currently, around 1.8 billion people are at heightened risk of Covid-19 and other diseases because they use or work in healthcare facilities without basic water services, and the pandemic has also exacerbated the barriers to safe water access that have hurt communities for decades.

Increasing access to safe water is part of PepsiCo's focus on continuing to integrate purpose into its business strategy and brands to become PepsiCo Positive – to deliver better outcomes for people and the planet, whilst enabling it to be a faster-growing and more resilient company.