Tk 10b project approved to tackle Padma erosion

The government on Wednesday approved a proposal to award a contract to Bangladesh Navy-run Khulna Shipyard to protect the Zajira and Naria upazilas of Shariatpur from river erosion at a cost of Tk 10.77 billion, reports UNB.

The cabinet committee on economic affairs at a meeting, with finance minister AMA Muhith in the chair, gave go-ahead to the proposal placed by water resources ministry.

Briefing newsmen the cabinet division additional secretary Nasima Begum said under the proposal, the Khulna Shipyard will implement project of the Water Development Board to protect 8.90 km of riverbank of Padma at Zajira and Naria upazilas.

The contract work includes 9.75 km dredging, 0.089 km end-termination and construction of 8 RCC concrete ferry terminals.

The cabinet body's approval came at a time when thousands have been rendered homeless in scourge of Padma erosion in Shariatpur's two upazilas over the past three months.