Tk7,500cr WB-funded climate project targets 14 coastal districts

The government is set to implement a Tk7,500 crore climate resilience project from 1 July, with a view to protecting vulnerable communities in 14 coastal districts.

The five-year project will be funded by the World Bank, it was revealed during a meeting between LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and World Bank officials held at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday.

The nine-member WB delegation was led by Jean Pesme, division director for Bangladesh and Bhutan.

Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hassan was present at the meeting.

The meeting underscored the need for ensuring the safety of vulnerable coastal communities, enhance their capacity to cope with climate-induced disasters and ensure sustainable development.

Discussion also took place on improving the living standards of vulnerable people, strengthening social safety nets and creating employment opportunities.

The project will also focus on improving water treatment and safe water facilities to address salinity in coastal areas, while increasing the use of surface water to reduce pressure on groundwater.

The initiative aims to ensure water security for coastal communities and build their long-term capacity to cope with floods and the impacts of climate change.

Director General of the Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Inspection Wing Shibir Bichitra Barua and senior officials of the ministry were present at the meeting.