The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) will set up four riverports at Noapara in Jessore, Bhairab in Kishoreganj, Ashuganj in Brahmanbaria and at Barguna in 2008-09 and 2009-10 fiscal years.

The estimated cost for implementing the new project has been earmarked at Taka 15.50 crore, an official press release said.

This was stated at a review meeting on the progress of execution of the projects under and outside the Annual Development Programme (ADP) taken by different organisations under the Shipping Ministry.

Shipping Adviser Maj Gen (retd) M A Matin presided over the meeting.

The meeting was informed that BIWTA would rehabilitate two K-type ferries, two roro (roll-on roll-off) ferries and two roro pontoons.

It was also informed that the estimated cost is Taka 24.50 crore for executing a new project on reconstruction and rehabilitation of different infrastructures and facilities damaged by the cyclone Sidr.

BIWTA, BIWTC and Mongla Port Authority will implement the project in 2008-09 and 2009-10 fiscal years, the release said, adding that Taka 15.14 crore was allocated for 2008-09 fiscal.

The meeting laid emphasis on launching the river route (second phase) around Dhaka city, construction of port and other facilities to protect the Buriganga river and its banks from encroachers, modernisation of Benapole Land Port (first phase), taking project for overall development of Mongla Port, including dredging at Pashur channel, Chittagong Port trade facilitation and port efficiency improvement plan, construction of 400-metre backup facilities behind the newly-built Newmooring Container Terminal of Chittagong Port and gearing up work to complete the project for construction of Pangaon Inland Container Terminal.

The adviser reminded the concerned authorities of completing tender process of different projects and the work by December 31.

The shipping ministry has been implementing 24 projects in the current fiscal at a cost of Taka 286.28 crore. Of which, 19 projects are under ADP and the rest are outside ADP.

Shipping Secretary Sheikh AK Motahar Hossain and high officials of different organisations under the ministry were present at the meeting.