Govt adopts 3-phase rebuilding plan in Sidr-hit areas

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The government has taken up a three-phase rehabilitation plan for those affected by the Cyclone Sidr and has already begun work on the first and second phases, reports bdnews24.com quoting the Chief Adviser's Office Wednesday.
The CA's press secretary Syed Fahim Munaim told the news agency: "Rehabilitation work has started in the affected areas. The immediate and mid-term work is being undertaken. Plans are being drawn for long-term rehabilitation."
The immediate or short-term rehabilitation work began the day after the Sidr struck, Munaim said, adding that the Chief Adviser sought financial assistance from development partners for the mid-term rehabilitation.
The Cyclone Sidr hit the southern districts on the night of November 15 last.
The government provided Sidr survivors with food, warm clothes and other essentials, the press secretary said. "Short-term relief and rehabilitation are going on," he added.
Under the mid-term rehabilitation programme, the government and NGOs are working hand in hand to provide farm assistance, rebuild damaged homes, repair sanitation systems and sink new tubewells for safe drinking water.
The government has allotted a separate fund of Tk 1.30 billion (130 crore) for house-rebuilding.
The government planned to provide financial grants for the people in the worst-affected areas.
Microcredit agencies, especially Grameen Bank, ASA and PKSF, are also offering new loans for installing shallow tubewells, restoring sanitation systems and rebuilding damaged houses.
In the long-term rehabilitation phase, the press secretary said stronger embankments will be constructed and more cyclone shelters will be built on high land.