Climate-resilient roads need of the hour

In the wake of the repeated floods, cyclones and tidal surges, Bangladesh must look for climate-resilient roads for longevity and reap maximum benefit from the infrastructures, speakers told a stakeholder consultations event yesterday.

The event was organised at the LGED conference room in the capital yesterday by Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC).

Inaugurating the event, SK Md Mohsin, chief engineer of LGED (Local Government Engineering Department), said his department is engaging in huge development projects, particularly focusing on road infrastructure.

"In light of the country's climate vulnerability, we will look into the suggestions and guidelines presented to us," he said.

Dr Milad Zamanifar, regional transport specialist of ADPC, said in South Asia, road transport is vital for economic and social activities such as trade, public service delivery, governance and tourism.

"The government invests significantly in road infrastructures to provide connectivity to all economic zones," he said.

The resilient transport sector will not only develop a technical guideline for climate resilient roads and bridges, but will also formulate recommendations and frameworks for South Asia based on demonstrated experience in Bangladesh, he added.

ADPC and Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) are jointly implementing a five-year (2020-2025) regional project called Climate Adaptation and Resilience (CARE) for South Asia to enable climate resilience policies and investment in agriculture, transport, water, policy and planning and finance sector.

ADPC is also working with Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) to develop and strengthen evidence-based resilient policies, strategies and actions.