The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $100 million grant assistance to help the Government of Bangladesh develop basic infrastructure and services for displaced persons. The ADB $100 million grant project will support the displaced people sheltered in camps in the Ukhia and Teknaf subdistricts of Coxsbazar focusing on water supply and sanitation, disaster risk management, energy, and roads.
The project will rehabilitate roads within the camps to connect essential food distribution and storage centers, hospitals, education facilities, and provide emergency access. To address water needs, the project will provide mobile water carriers, community bathing facilities, and build a piped water supply system and waste management facilities, together with small water treatment plants. Solar powered and mini grid-connected street lighting will be provided and access to electricity augmented by substations, distribution lines, and transformers.
ADB President Mr. Takehiko Nakao said, “Given the scale of the humanitarian needs, we are coordinating closely and promptly with World Bank and other development partners to support the government in addressing the crisis in Coxsbazar. With the principle of putting people first, ADB’s project in this first phase will seek to provide basic infrastructure and services that will ease vulnerabilities and risk of hunger, disease, and disaster.
ADB support will be within the framework of multisector Joint Response Plan prepared by the UN-led Inter Sector Coordination Group in coordination with the government. The project has been developed and will be implemented in coordination with United Nations agencies, the World Bank, and other donors that are giving humanitarian relief such as food, water, medical aid, and temporary shelter.
The first phase is costing $120 million over about 2.5 years. The first ADB $100 million grant will come from the Asian Development Fund (ADF), while the government will provide $20 million. The scope and timing of a second phase of ADB grant support of a further $100 million will build on the progress of the first phase.