The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Donors and development agencies have agreed to finance construction of a large number of new cyclone shelters in the coastal areas to save the people from the wrath of the cyclonic storm, responding positively to a proposal of the Caretaker Government for building some 2000 cyclone shelters.

Of the international development agencies, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) alone agreed to setting up more than 600 cyclone shelters.

As part of the post-Sidr rehabilitation programme, the Government had sought US 228.57 million dollars funds from donors and development agencies for setting up 2,000 new cyclone shelters in the coastal areas, official sources said.

The Government also sought another US 28 million dollars for reconstruction and refurbishment of a good number of existing cyclone shelters. There are about 1,500 cyclone shelters in the country now.

Thus the Government's total external financial requirement rose to US 256.57 million dollars.

"Responding to the Government's request, a number of development agencies and donors have sought necessary support and operations from us for building a large number of cyclone shelters," a senior official said.

An IDB delegation will visit Bangladesh shortly and is expected to make a final proposal regarding the construction of such shelters, the official said.

The Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) has made its formal proposal for building 20 multi-purpose cyclone shelters in different Sidr-affected areas of Bangladesh.

Apart from that, some other organizations, including the World Bank have expressed their intention to provide funding supports for construction of cyclone shelters in the country's coastal areas, especially those vulnerable to sea-based calamities.