Ecnec approves Tk244.14cr project to enhance disaster resilience

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) today (7 May) approved Tk244.14 crore Bangladesh Sustainable Recovery, Emergency Preparedness and Response Project (B-STRONG) (DDM) Part project in a bid to enhance disaster resilience and create employment opportunities for families vulnerable to different disasters.

The approval came from the 10th meeting of the Ecnec at the NEC Conference Room in the city, with Ecnec Chairperson and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in the chair.

The meeting approved a total of nine projects involving an overall estimated cost of Tk3,756.20 crore.

Of the total project cost, Tk2,798.19 crore will come from the government of Bangladesh portion, Tk812.95 crore as project loan, while the rest of Tk145.06 crore from the concerned organisation's own fund.

Of the approved nine projects, three are new while nine are revised projects.

Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud briefed reporters.

Of total project cost of Tk244.14 crore for the B-STRONG (DDM) part project, the World Bank will provide Tk238.34 crore as grant while the rest of Tk5.80 crore will come from the government of Bangladesh portion.

The Department of Disaster Management and Relief under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief will implement the project by June 2029.

The main project operations include creating some 31,89,960 days employment opportunities for some 8,861 vulnerable families under 10 upazilas of Feni, Brahmanbaria and Chattogram districts which were severely affected in flood, procurement of 370 rescue boats for flood-prone 37 districts of the country, imparting training to some 1,480 volunteers in 37 districts on addressing disaster risks and operating rescue boats, imparting training to some 1,295 district disaster management committee members and appointing consultants.

The feasibility study on the project has already been completed, while the project is included in the new project list under the ADP for the current fiscal year.

On the project, the Planning Commission in its recommendations said that once the project is implemented, it would help to create income opportunities for the vulnerable families in different disasters and thus enhance their disaster tolerance.

Besides, they would also be able to conduct rescue operations and search operations before, during and after any disaster.

The other projects approved in the meeting are:

Capacity enhancement of Bangladesh Public Service Commission Secretariat including establishing seven regional offices, 3rd revised with zero additional cost, Prevention of violence and harmful practices against children and women in Bangladesh with around Tk170.34 crore, Construction of inland container and bulk terminal (1st revised) at Khanpur in Narayanganj with an additional cost of Tk223.75 crore.

Besides, Development of Gulshan-Banani-Baridhara Lake, 1st revised with an additional cost of Tk145.06 crore, Disaster Risk Management Enhancement Project, Component 2&3, 3rd revised with an additional cost of Tk34.06 crore, Irrigation management development of Khulna, Bagerhat and Satkhira districts with Tk499.82 crore, WECARE, Phase-1, Jhenidah-Jashore Highway (N-7) Development project, 1st revised with an additional cost of Tk2,439.03 crore and Important rural infrastructures development in greater Cumilla district, 3rd phase, 1st revised with zero additional cost.

Besides, the Ecnec meeting was also apprised about some 11 projects which were approved earlier by the Planning Adviser.

Advisers concerned attended the meeting while Planning Commission members and Secretaries Concerned were present.