WB VP Patel arrives today
Thursday, 13 December 2007
FE Report
Recovery in the aftermath of the Cyclone Sidr and longer-term disaster mitigation and adaptation systems are expected to top the agenda as World Bank (WB) South Asia Vice President Praful C Patel arrives here early today (Thursday) on a three-day visit, officials said.
The World Bank Vice President is expected to visit Barisal to meet with the government's post-cyclone response task forces. Patel will also meet with some communities hit by the storm in the Patuakhali district to hear directly from them about how they are getting back on their feet, and recovering their sources of income and livelihood.
Back in the capital, Patel is expected to meet Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed and other government officials to discuss how the WB can best contribute to the government's long-term disaster management efforts.
In a meeting with development partners recently, the Chief Adviser called for an important shift in attention from reacting to natural disasters to a strong focus on mitigation and prevention of them.
The CA has requested the international community to help in working together to make a real difference in Bangladesh's plans to address the future disasters and the potential impact of climate change.
He said the key components of a longer term intervention includes repairing, rebuilding and extending the coastal embankment system, for which about US $1.0 billion (100 crore) would have to be mobilised.
Patel will also meet Finance and Planning Adviser Mirza Azizul Islam, senior government officials, development partners, and representatives of the civil society.
He is expected to participate in a joint-press conference with Adviser for Agriculture, Environment, Fisheries and Livestock C S Karim, where the government and the WB might focus on a particular issue--the impact of climate change on Bangladesh.
In the immediate aftermath of the November 15 cyclone, the WB announced it could make up to $250 million available for Bangladesh to cater to its needs ranging from recovery to longer-term disaster mitigation.
A month after the storm, Patel will be meeting with government officials to discuss details of the WB's support strategy. This includes quick disbursement of the financial support for the budget by January-end, livelihood restoration support available by April next year, and financial support for a long-term disaster prevention and management programme.
The Washington-based multilateral lending agency recently provided $75 million in budget support following the devastating August floods and is preparing an additional support of $130 million by reallocating funds from the current International Development Association's commitment to Bangladesh.
Recovery in the aftermath of the Cyclone Sidr and longer-term disaster mitigation and adaptation systems are expected to top the agenda as World Bank (WB) South Asia Vice President Praful C Patel arrives here early today (Thursday) on a three-day visit, officials said.
The World Bank Vice President is expected to visit Barisal to meet with the government's post-cyclone response task forces. Patel will also meet with some communities hit by the storm in the Patuakhali district to hear directly from them about how they are getting back on their feet, and recovering their sources of income and livelihood.
Back in the capital, Patel is expected to meet Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed and other government officials to discuss how the WB can best contribute to the government's long-term disaster management efforts.
In a meeting with development partners recently, the Chief Adviser called for an important shift in attention from reacting to natural disasters to a strong focus on mitigation and prevention of them.
The CA has requested the international community to help in working together to make a real difference in Bangladesh's plans to address the future disasters and the potential impact of climate change.
He said the key components of a longer term intervention includes repairing, rebuilding and extending the coastal embankment system, for which about US $1.0 billion (100 crore) would have to be mobilised.
Patel will also meet Finance and Planning Adviser Mirza Azizul Islam, senior government officials, development partners, and representatives of the civil society.
He is expected to participate in a joint-press conference with Adviser for Agriculture, Environment, Fisheries and Livestock C S Karim, where the government and the WB might focus on a particular issue--the impact of climate change on Bangladesh.
In the immediate aftermath of the November 15 cyclone, the WB announced it could make up to $250 million available for Bangladesh to cater to its needs ranging from recovery to longer-term disaster mitigation.
A month after the storm, Patel will be meeting with government officials to discuss details of the WB's support strategy. This includes quick disbursement of the financial support for the budget by January-end, livelihood restoration support available by April next year, and financial support for a long-term disaster prevention and management programme.
The Washington-based multilateral lending agency recently provided $75 million in budget support following the devastating August floods and is preparing an additional support of $130 million by reallocating funds from the current International Development Association's commitment to Bangladesh.