Dhaka: The World Bank (WB) will construct at least 330 new cyclone shelters in the cyclone prone areas of Bangladesh by 2017.  

Official sources said the WB under its Emergency 2007 Cyclone Recovery and Restoration Project (ECRRP) has already constructed 136 multipurpose disaster shelters that double up as primary schools during non-emergency situations.  

Apart from this, the sources said, more 65 new shelters will be completed by June 2015.

The project has completed the rehabilitation of 241 existing shelters out of targeted 460 shelters to be repaired by 2017. Another 81 shelters will be rehabilitated by June 2015.  

Under the project, repairing of 260 kilometers coastal embankment out of targeted 450 kilometers in different areas of the country has been completed.  

Talking to BSS on Saturday a high official of Local Government and Engineering Department (LGED) said the World Bank has been supporting the government through the ECRRP to restore the livelihoods of the people affected by Cyclone Sidr (2007) and Cyclone Aila (2009) and build long-term disaster preparedness.  

The official said the ECRRP has been constructing new cyclone shelters, repairing existing shelters and building shelter access roads in cyclone prone areas.  

The ECRRP has also been repairing embankments, making peoples' lives and livelihoods safer and more resilient, he added.  

The LGED official said the project has provided agricultural support to farmers through the provision of improved seeds, agricultural tools, livestock, fish fingerlings, household silos and hands-on training on the use of such technology.  

It is also supporting the preparation of the first phase of a 15-year government programme for disaster risk reduction.  

For completion of the project, the World Bank has so far supported ECRRP with US$324 million.  

In addition to World Bank financing, the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (US$2.96 million), the Bangladesh Climate Change Resilience Fund (US$25 million), and (Euro 3.82 million) have contributed to the project.