DHAKA, Apr 21 : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the government of Bangladesh signed a 71 million U.S. dollar loan agreement to improve flood control, irrigation, and water resources management in rural communities in Gopalganj and Madaripur districts to strengthen their preparedness and resilience to the effects of climate change.
Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD) under the Ministry of Finance, and Edimon Ginting, country director of ADB in Bangladesh, signed the loan agreement on behalf of Bangladesh and ADB, respectively, at a ceremony at ERD in Dhaka Saturday.
“This project reflects ADB’s renewed commitment to help Bangladesh tackle climate change challenges through improved flood control, irrigation, and water resources management,” said Ginting.
“Building on our previous successful projects in this area, the new project will further boost economic growth and productivity, increase incomes and sustainable livelihoods, especially for women and vulnerable groups, and reduce poverty in rural areas of southwest Bangladesh,” Ginting added.
The Climate-Resilient Integrated Southwest Project for Water Resources Management is expected to benefit more than 600,000 people, introduce climate-resilient flood control, drainage, and irrigation measures, and reduce saline intrusion.
The project will develop and enhance integrated water management plans, and construct training centers for water management organizations and other community infrastructure.
The project will promote participatory water resource management to foster local ownership and ensure sustainability. (UNI)
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