Japan, UNHCR sign $10m deal

Japan and the UN Refugee Agency have signed an agreement to provide approximately USD 10 million to improve water supply and distribution systems for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Teknaf.

The agreement was signed by UNHCR Bangladesh Assistant Representative Yumiko Kashiwa, and Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh ITO Naoki, at the UNHCR country office in Dhaka on Sunday.

The project will be implemented in the next three years in collaboration with the Economic Relations Division, Department of Public Health and Engineering, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and the deputy commissioner of Cox's Bazar.

Teknaf has been facing challenges in ensuring safe access to water for local population for many years. The situation has become even more challenging following the influx of Rohingya refugees in recent years. This contribution will help stabilise the water supply, and to improve the living conditions of both communities, according to a statement of UNHCR.

"Bangladesh government and the people continue to generously host this vulnerable population. UNHCR, with the support of the Government of Japan, is committed to supporting host communities as well as the 'Rohingya' population," said Kashiwa, said a statement from Japan embassy.

The Japanese ambassador said, "I sincerely hope that this project will be able to support the water environment of host community and refugees in Teknaf, and to contribute to the stable development of Bangladesh."