Tk 611crore needed to repair dams, bridges

Official sources said the ministry has made a preliminary assessment which indicated that at least Tk 611 crore is needed on "most immediate" basis to repair and reconstruct sluice gates, regulators, bridges, groins, culverts and flood control embankments.

In separate letters to different divisions of finance and planning ministries, the water resources ministry said the amount is required urgently for agricultural rehabilitation and poverty alleviation through coordinated water management.

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According to preliminary assessment received from the field, the ministry said out of total 9462 km embankment, around 2593 km was damaged either partially or completely.

Besides, the flood has damaged 460 km irrigation canal, 142 km defensive works, 562 sluice gates, regulators, bridges, culverts and water controlling infrastructures.

The ministry estimated that Tk 98.50 crore is required on emergency basis for short-term (3-month) to repair irrigation canals, sluice gates, regulators and other water structures to ensure enhanced agricultural production, stop erosion and remove stagnant water.

Besides, Tk 400.73 crore will be needed for implementation of various mid-term (till June 2005) programmes.

Another Tk 111.77 crore will also be required for long-term (June 2006) programmes like reconstruction of embankments, irrigation canals, sluice gates and other water structures.

The water resources ministry also asked both the finance and planning ministries to take emergency steps to allocate Tk 611 crore by mobilising funds from development partners and organisations as well as from domestic resources to repair and reconstruct the water structures.

It further said another Tk 300 crore will be needed for repair and reconstruction of embankments and water structures in coastal areas.