Ensure proper utilisation of World Bank loan for River Jamuna

It is a good piece of news that the World Bank is giving Bangladesh a loan of $100 million, more than one thousand crore taka, to protect the banks of the Jamuna River, increase its navigability and protect the livelihood of the people along the river.

River erosion remains a perennial problem for Bangladesh, despite the country spending huge money for the protection of banks of various rivers with an aim to save the habitats, agricultural lands, lives and livelihood of people.

But in most cases it appeared that due to poor construction of banks or faulty engineering, constructed banks along rivers or beel collapsed rendering money invested as wastage.

Not to mention the corruption involved in these projects.

However, we can hardly be optimistic about this loan the World Bank is going to give Bangladesh for Jamuna’s sustainable maintenance.

The first of its kind in Bangladesh, the project will be implemented in Phulchari, Gaibandha and Kalihati areas.

It is expected that one lakh people will benefit through the project.

Besides, it will create safe and affordable transportation opportunities for people interested in travelling by river.

If the project is implemented according to the plan, it will increase the navigability of one of the largest and dynamic rivers of Bangladesh.

Once the project is implemented, large ships will be able to sail throughout the year.

At the same time, inland waterway transport will be revived, which will give new impetus to regional communication and trade.

With the successful implementation of the project, about two and a half hectares of land will be saved from river erosion and floods.

All these are fine to think about, if the money spent would really ensure these developments.

Otherwise, the nation which mostly consists of poor people who are already burdened with huge foreign loans will have to bear the brunt of it.

There is little doubt about the importance of the Jamuna’s sustainable management project.

The lives of millions of people revolve around this river.

Thousands of people are displaced every year due to river erosion caused by climate change.

Rendered poor these people move to cities especially the capital Dhaka making these places even more environmentally vulnerable.