BSS, Dhaka :
Expressing satisfaction over the progress of implementation of IDB-funded school-cum-cyclone shelters (SCCSs) project, visiting Islamic Development Bank Group President Dr Ahmad Mohamad Ali Monday said Bangladesh has successfully completed the construction work of 24 shelters maintaining full transparency.
“Constriction work of 24 SCCSs under a programme of building 180 shelters has been completed successful and the authorities maintained 99.75 percent transparency in implementing this project,” he said at a press conference here today.
Project director Sufee Mustaque Ahmed and project-coordinator Dr Md Salem were also present at the conference.
IDB has been providing US$110 million for the construction of a total of 180 school-cum-cyclone shelters under 15 construction packages in the coastal belt of 40 upazilas in 13 districts.
The IDB president visited two shelters and inaugurated 24 completed shelters, constructed in the first package, at separate programmes held at Channir Chak L.C. High School in Koyra, Khulna and Rayenda Pilot High School in Sharankhola upazila, Bagerhat.
The Jeddah-based development partner has also provided US$20 million for urgent relief and rehabilitation in the form of agricultural and other inputs to the affected farmers, fishermen and small business-holders in the coaster belt.
Each centre has an accommodation capacity of 240 children for teaching and high quality school furniture and equipments have already been supplied to the shelters.
During cyclone, 2000 people and 500 domestic animals can take shelter in a SCCS. Construction work is going on in 12 out of 15 packages.
The expected life span of these concrete structures is 100 years with resistance capacity of wind speed up to 260 mph.
On May 12, 2008, the government and IDB signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the constriction of SCCSs. The government has been providing all necessary assistance to ensure successful implementation of the project.
