DHAKA: The World Bank (WB) has approved a US $165 million grant to help Bangladesh provide basic services and build disaster and social resilience for the Rohingya who have fled violence in Myanmar and sought shelter in the Teknaf and Ukhia Upazila of Cox’s Bazar district.

The ‘Emergency Multi-Sector Rohingya Crisis Response Project’ will help Bangladesh cope with the world’s fastest growing exodus, where the Rohingya outnumber the local community more than threefold in the Teknaf and Ukhia pazila, said a WB press release here today.

The project will help build and rehabilitate basic infrastructure, improve community resilience and help prevent gender-based violence.

This includes building a water supply system comprising of community standpoints, rainwater harvesting, and piped water supply systems as well as improve sanitation facilities. The project will also build and improve multipurpose cyclone shelters, roads, footpaths, drains, culverts, bridges and install solar street lights inside the camps.

Speaking on the occasion, World Bank Acting Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan Dandan Chen said Bangladesh has shown great generosity by sheltering and providing for a nearly a million Rohingya people, despite its own development challenges.

“The influx has placed enormous pressure on local infrastructure, services and public resources. This project will contribute to improving basic public infrastructure and living conditions in the congested camp.

Moreover, through our existing and new projects, we are helping the local population,” he added.

The Rohingya are living in extremely congested conditions in Cox Bazar, an area that is prone to weather shocks. The project will respond to natural disaster shocks and gender-based violence through strengthened government systems.

BDST: 1919 HRS, MAR 9, 2019
SI