ADB approved $23 million loan for Sylhet-Sunamganj

The Asian Development Bank-ADB has approved a $230 million loan as emergency assistance for rehabilitation and reconstruction in several flood-affected districts. This information was informed in a press release of the organization yesterday.

Last year there was record rainfall in some districts of the country. It caused massive flooding. Especially 7.2 million people in the low-lying Haor region are affected. ADB's loan proceeds will be used for various economic recovery, reconstruction and resilience programs in the affected districts. These districts are - Brahmanbaria, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, Moulvibazar, Mymensingh, Netrakona, Sherpur, Sunamganj and Sylhet.

According to ADB, with this loan, 757 km of rural roads and 34 km of railway lines will be constructed in these districts. Necessary bridges and culverts will also be constructed under the project. Which will help in future flood control. The project activities are supposed to bring the elderly, women and children and the disabled under the safety belt of the society.

Apart from this, 80 km of river bank development and about four km of flood protection walls will be constructed to protect crops from future flood damage. Four sluice gates will be renovated for conservation and irrigation of 14 km of riverbanks submerged in monsoon water. One lakh trees will be planted to protect river banks and reduce carbon emissions. Some other such activities are under the scope of the project, including the construction of public toilets.

In a statement on the occasion of the loan approval, ADB's Principal Portfolio Management Specialist Tika Limbo said that the Bangladesh government has taken many initiatives including adaptation plans in preparation for adapting to climate change. This loan of ADB will be very helpful in implementing these steps of the government.

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