Narayanganj-based startup Shalbrikkho is well-known for inventing recycled and environment-friendly household products and technology—from bioplastic and bamboo utensils to solar plants—for public use.
They have now embarked on a timely venture to support flood-hit people stranded in remote areas: making improvised boats, solar-powered mobile toilets and water filters, 4G boosters, and mobile power houses at minimum cost. Apart from its own investment, Shalbrikkho is taking donations to bear the expenses.
In the first phase, Shalbrikkho team built 10 boats using bamboo and abandoned plastic drums and sent them on a truck for distribution among volunteer groups working in Feni and Comilla.
Now the Shalbrikkho team, led by its Managing Director Mahbub Sumon and his wife Ekramunnesa Champa, also the chairman of the award-winning startup, is building floating toilets using convenient materials for the people in submerged areas.
Considering the importance of electricity supply and active mobile communication, with the road connectivity remaining collapsed in most of the 11 districts affected by the flood, Sumon has planned to make low-cost mobile power units that will stay in a locality or near a shelter centre for four hours before moving to another place so that people can recharge their phones and other necessary electronic devices.
The power houses will also include 4G boosters since many of the mobile towers in the affected areas have still remained non-operational.
To solve the recurring shortage of drinking water, Shalbrikkho is making low-cost water filters that will be installed in the localities and shelter centres. The filters, run by solar power, are expected to purify around 1,000 litres of water every day.
"We built 10 boats after learning about a crisis from the media and local people and gave four to the Red Crescent in Noakhali, five to another team of volunteers in Feni and one to Comilla. We also distributed raincoats and sanitary pads. These boats will work as support in the rescue work," Sumon told Dhaka Tribune.
After returning from the flood zones, his team is now building more boats.
He suggested that volunteers not go to easy-to-reach places and avoid unnecessary expenditures. He observed that 70% of the people who went to the flood-affected areas as part of volunteer teams from Dhaka and other places were obstructing rescue and relief work.
He advised that volunteers prioritize collecting drinking water, first aid tools, and clothes for women and children as the water is receding in many districts.
Sumon has also stressed the need for government support to rebuild the houses and ensure food security for the flood-affected people.
