The government will build cyclone shelters at 74 upazilas of nine districts: Chattogram, Barishal, Pirojpur, Bhola, Patuakhali, Cox’s Bazar, Feni, Lakshmipur and Noakhali.
These are being constructed to create temporary jobs, safeguard people’s properties and assets and provide security during natural disasters.
To implement this, the Multi-Purpose Disaster Shelter Project-1 has been launched by the ministry of local government, rural development and cooperatives.
The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) will implement the project at a cost of Tk 31.7 billion.
The government will provide Tk 100 million while the World Bank will fund the rest of the Tk 31.6 billion.
Under the project, the total number of shelters is 556 while 450 will be extended horizontally and vertically.
Bridges, and culverts along with these shelters, plus 182 km of link roads will be rebuilt.
Planning Minister M A Mannan said: “Since the project is linked with the five-year plan, it is part of the drive to improve rural infrastructure under the 7th five-year plan.”
State minister for Disaster management and relief, Dr Enamur Rahman, said: “the government has made all efforts to tackle natural disasters; these shelters will give safety to people in the coastal areas during natural calamities.”