Mumbai, June 22, 2023. Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) and JSW have signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at establishing ten new Suvidha centres in Mumbai. These centres, which have been operational since 2016 through a pioneering public-private partnership with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and HSBC India, have positively impacted the lives of 300,000 people annually. The collaboration with JSW Foundation will extend safe and dignified sanitation services to an additional 200,000 individuals residing in low-income communities across Mumbai.
The new Suvidha centres will provide comprehensive solutions for the hygiene and sanitation needs of low-income communities, offering access to safe toilets, purified drinking water, showers, and laundry services, all under one roof. These amenities will be available at affordable rates, including drinking water priced at Rs. 1 per litre and a monthly pass for families priced at Rs. 150. Furthermore, the centres will operate on solar energy, contributing to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, while saving an estimated 300 million litres of water over a decade.
Designed with the safety and well-being of women and children in mind, the Suvidha centres feature inclusive design elements, adequate lighting, CCTV cameras, and a panic button for emergencies. The partnership between HUL, JSW, and BMC will also involve an extensive behavior change program focused on health and nutrition, which will include home-to-home visits in the communities surrounding the centres. Additionally, the centres will be staffed by individuals recruited from nearby communities, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.
In line with their commitment to environmental consciousness and sustainability, the Suvidha centres will implement rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling methods, resulting in substantial water conservation over the course of a decade. HUL and JSW Foundation will work closely together to further enhance the community and environmental impact of the Suvidha Centres.
Mrs. Sangita Jindal, Chairperson of JSW Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "Our partnership with HUL and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to establish 10 state-of-the-art Suvidha centres in Mumbai reiterates our commitment to empower local communities and pave the way for a brighter future, particularly for women and children. Through this partnership with HUL, we are fostering a collective social action to further expand the network of Suvidha centres in the city with the aim to provide fresh drinking water and other sanitation services to low-income communities residing in Mumbai city."
Mr. Sanjiv Mehta, CEO and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever, highlighted the transformative impact of the Suvidha Centres, stating, "Our Suvidha Centres exemplify how innovation and collective action by the public and private sectors can help address urban sanitation challenges. Launched as a small pilot with the invaluable support of BMC in 2016, Suvidha now impacts more than 300,000 people every year. We're delighted to have JSW Foundation join our mission to enable access to safe sanitation for all. This partnership is evidence that Suvidha continues to be a path-breaking model in the field of community well-being."
Dr. Iqbal Chahal, Commissioner & Administrator of BMC, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, saying, "BMC and HUL are delighted to announce the partnership with JSW to further our mission of providing safe and dignified sanitation through the Suvidha Centres. Together, through this public-private partnership (PPP), we are committed to expanding access to quality sanitation for an additional 200,000 people residing in urban slums, with a particular focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of women and children. With 12 Suvidha Centres already operational, we are committed to replicating and scaling this model, making quality sanitation and hygiene facilities a reality for a larger population in Mumbai. This partnership represents a significant step forward in our collective efforts to create a safe, inclusive, and healthy city for all."
The strategic partnership between HUL, JSW, and BMC holds great promise in addressing sanitation challenges, improving access to essential services, and promoting a healthier environment for the residents of Mumbai's low-income communities.
