Mobile Testing Laboratory Has Been Started

NGO News Report :: Fast Service for More Effectiveness and Less Pollution: Inauguration of a Mobile Testing Laboratory for Waste Water and Sludge in the Ready-Made Garments Factories

A mobile testing laboratory for waste water and sludge generated by effluent treatment plants in the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) factories was inaugurated on 18 April 2016 in Dhaka. This laboratory is equipped with sampling and measuring instruments and accessories and offers on-the-spot testing and sampling services for washing, dyeing and finishing plants in the RMG sector. With its technician and waste water expert team, the mobile laboratory will enable clients to take advantage of quality services at an affordable price.

The concept of the mobile testing laboratory was developed within the framework of a developpp.de project. This Public Private Partnership developpp.de was set up by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to foster the involvement of the private sector at the point where business opportunities and development policy initiatives intersect. It is implemented by Promotion of Social and Environmental Standards in the Industry (PSES), a joint project of the governments of Bangladesh and Germany and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the BMZ.

PSES is providing technical support to the mobile testing laboratory – such as developing training and awareness raising materials and providing the vehicle for the laboratory. Private partner TÜV SÜD Bangladesh (Pvt.) Ltd. is providing equipment and materials such as the mobile laboratory testing equipment, generator and consumables for the operation of the laboratory. They are also providing services such as testing, on-site training and technical advice.

The Department of Environment (DoE) will review the outcomes of the testing and the findings of the project because it provides the regulatory framework for waste water and sludge testing and disposal.

During the inauguration of the mobile testing laboratory, the keys to the vehicle were handed over to Mr Bratin Roy, Vice President,TÜV SÜD Bangladesh by the Deputy Head of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr Ferdinand von Weyhe, in the presence of Md Muslehuddin, Deputy Chief – Planning, Ministry of Commerce,factory owners and representatives from garments buyers and service providers.

In his opening remark Dr von Weyhe said, ‘‘Consumers in Europe do care about the environmental conditions under which RMG is produced in Bangladesh. With the help of this testing van waste water can be controlled, thus providing a scientific basis to further improve water quality. Investment in environment can pay off. By the way, I am looking forward to that day, when children can swim in clean water – next to a RMG factory.’’

Then Dr Jochen Weikert, Programme Coordinator,GIZ, remarked “Some of the smaller garment factories may have effluent treatment plants in operation, but they lack the instruments they need in order to constantly control the treated water. With this mobile testing service, we specifically serve the smaller and medium-sized factories so that they can make sure their wastewater does not pollute the environment. Thus, the mobile laboratory is one step more towards a sustainable garment industry in Bangladesh, from which businesses, environment and people will benefit.”