690 climate-resilient low-cost homes launched in four cities

A total of 690 climate-resilient low-cost houses built for the urban poor have been inaugurated simultaneously in Chandpur, Kushtia, Noakhali and Gopalganj under a Livelihoods Improvement of Urban Poor Communities project (LIUPCP).

The project, implemented by the Local Government Division with support from the UK government and UNDP, was inaugurated virtually from the secretariat yesterday, according to a press release, signed by Yugesh Pradhanang, international technical adviser and project manager of LIUPCP.

Speaking as the chief guest, LGD Secretary Md Rezaul Maksud Jahedi said safe and dignified housing for climate-vulnerable urban communities is now essential. "This initiative will open new opportunities for them."

Md Samsul Islam, joint secretary at LGD and national project director, said the project has brought significant progress in three areas across 19 towns: women-led community organisations, livelihoods, and urban resilience.

UNDP representative Stefan Liller said that in the context of Bangladesh's rapid urbanisation, it is urgent to scale up climate-resilient and inclusive urban development models at the national level.

Martin Dawson, deputy development director of the UK government, said the UK has long been working to improve the living standards of the urban poor and will continue its commitment to ensuring safe, affordable and climate-smart housing.

The LIUPCP project is working across 19 cities to strengthen community organisations, develop climate-resilient infrastructure, and improve low-cost housing.