Lightning arresters, a low-cost technology, can be adopted all over the country to save lives and stop undue human damage from lightning strikes, says the Asian Development Bank (ADB), reports UNB.
"Its use in different parts of the country can save human lives. It's a low-cost technology," ADB Country Director Manmohan Parkash told the news agency after handing over seven types of completed subprojects for use under the Emergency Assistance Project.
The ADB Country Director handed over the facilities to LGRD Senior Secretary SM Ghulam Farooque on Friday, which were completed with grant assistance from the ADB.
At least 600,000 'displaced people' sheltered in Cox's Bazar Rohingya camps and the host community will be benefited under the Emergency Assistance Project, says the bank.
Parkash said lightning arresters are used in many countries to make sure when lightning strikes it goes down to earth so that people do not lose their lives. "So, we've included it as part of our project here (camps)."
The ADB Country Director said they will be more than happy to take it up for the country if they are requested.
According to reports carried by different national dailies on lightning incidents, over 200 people were killed and scores of others injured in lightning strikes at different parts of the country, mainly in central and northern parts, over the last two and a half months from March to May 17 in 2018, showing an increased frequency in lightning strikes.
Responding to a question, Parkash said the needs in Cox's Bazar camps are 'enormous' and the ADB is trying to help to the extent it is possible for them.
"We should be working together with all the development partners. The government of Bangladesh has contributed quite a lot. This is a team effort and we work together with our partners as well as the government of Bangladesh," he said, adding their efforts will benefit both the displaced people and host community equally.
Secretary Ghulam Farooque, on behalf of LGRD Minister Md Tazul Islam MP, inaugurated the subprojects, which include 100 bathing facilities; one piped-water supply system; and 200 lightning arrestors.
He also inaugurated the groundbreaking of seven food distribution centres, and 10 cyclone shelters in and around the Cox's Bazar camps.
While inaugurating the facilities, Ghulam Farooque appreciated ADB's grant assistance and speedy completion of the projects.
"I'm happy to see the rapid and impressive implementation progress of the project in less than one year after its approval," said Country Director Parkash.
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