At least 12 new cyclone centres will be built in Cox’s Bazar at the cost of more than Tk22bn to ensure adequate safe shelters for locals during cyclone.
Officials of the district relief and rehabilitation office said at least 15,000 people could take shelter during cyclones after the project was finished.
They said the total project cost for building 12 new cyclone centres stood at approximately Tk221, 339,081.
Construction of two cyclone centres in Pokkhali union and Islampur union under Cox’s Bazar sadar upazila started in May this year. Construction of another seven cyclone centres have already started in Khutakhali area under Chakaria upazila, Teknaf sadar union, Rajapalong union of Ukiah upazila, Dakshin Dhurung union in Kutubdia upazila, Matarbari union in Moheshkhali and BM Char union of Chakaria upazila of the district.
Furthermore, the construction of two storm centres in Boro Ghop in Kutubdia upazila and Dholghata in Moheshkhali will start soon.
There are a total of 534 cyclone centres in the district although thousands of people could not take shelter during cyclones. Of the total centres, 18 were declared abandoned as it was risky to use those centres.
Abu Morshed Chowdhury, president of Cox’s Bazar Banchao Andolan Committee, said: “Previously we have submitted a proposal to high officials for constructing 277 cyclone centres for coastal people of the district.”
“At least 12 new centres will be built as a part of the proposal and more centres may be constructed in near future,” he added.