Govt to build Mujibkillas in coastal areas: Maya

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya on Wednesday said that government has taken initiative to build Mujibkillas in the coastal areas to save lives and assets of the coastal people during disaster period.

“Due to climate change, Bangladesh remains a vulnerable country and we appeal to the world to initiate comprehensive programs drawing on the combined efforts of various stake holders,” he said.

The minister was addressing here as the chief guest at a launching ceremony of ‘Nabojatra’ a programme for the development of the livelihood of coastal people.

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has taken the programme ‘NoboJatra’ under its new five-year Food for Peace project in Khulna in partnership with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.

Implemented by World Vision Bangladesh in collaboration with the World Food Program and Winrock International, the USAID NoboJatra project will improve food security and nutrition, empower women, and build resilience in some of the poorest areas in four upazilas in the Khulna and Satkhira districts.

Fred Witteveen, National Director of World Vision Bangladesh presided over the programme.

The project will bring government together with international and local NGOs to work in partnership with individuals, communities and traditional institutions to help poor families access food, safe water and healthcare facilities, create income generation opportunities to improve their living conditions and ultimately lift themselves out of poverty.

The U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Marcia Bernicat said, “Since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, the United States has had an ongoing commitment and focus on food security and assistance. The new, five-year $74 million NoboJatra program will address food insecurity among the poorest and most vulnerable people in the southwest coastal areas of Bangladesh.”

USAID Bangladesh Mission Director Janina Jaruzelski hope that this programme would bring benefits to the communities of Khulna and Satkhira areas.

Source: BSS