The Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) has been implementing a Tk 109 crore uplift project to attain economic prosperity side by side with alleviating poverty in the metropolis.
Officials told BSS here yesterday that the four-year project titled "Secondary Towns Integrated Flood Protection (phase-2)" is being implemented to raise economic growth and alleviate poverty by providing a flood-free and secure living environment in the city.
The project is being executed in four components, which are: flood protection works, urban drainage system and environmental improvement including solid waste management, sanitation and slum improvement and capacity building.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) and OPEC are providing financial supports towards implementing the project, said acting RCC Chief Engineer Ashraful Haque. "Large and open unlined drainage outfalls will be constructed along with improving the existing drains in low-lying urban areas.”
He said the drainage infrastructure would remove polluted storm water, a constant source of water-borne diseases and breeding ground for mosquitoes. "The project will focus on improving the living of the poorest, particularly in the slum areas," he added.
Besides, Engineer Ashraf said, the project will further strengthen the women's active participation in the municipal management and services as both beneficiaries and agents through the urban governance reforms. It will also help support the gender and development activities.