<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>The work of Improving Urban Governance and Infrastructure Project (IUGIP) is continued in full progress. Minister for the Local Government Rural Development and Cooperatives Tajul Islam inaugurated the “Launching workshop “ of the project earlier this week.&nbsp;</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The LGRD Minister, Chief Engineer of Local Government Engineering Department and Members of the donor agencies expressed their satisfactions over the progress of the project.</div><div><br></div><div>The work of the project is ongoing against a work order of Tk 850 crore has already been given by floating tenders for 112 packages under work of Tk 1200 crores. The tender evaluation of the remaining work of Tk 350 crore is now under process. Besides, the supply of equipment contract of 6 packages valued Tk 120 crore will be completed by June this year, according to LGED sources.on the other hand three categories of consulting firm like MDS, GICD &amp; IVA are also recruited.</div><div><br></div><div>The project is being implemented with the financial support of donor agencies ADB and AFD. The objectives of the project is to achieve a planned, inclusive, and sustainable urbanization. Under the project, infrastructure development and management efficiency of municipalities will be increased through ‘result based lending’ strategy in 63 municipalities across the country.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The operation and maintenance activities of another 25 municipalities comes from UGIIP-3 have also been taken up. The financial cost of the project has been estimated at $ 602 million. Out of which Bangladesh Government will provide financial assistance of $100 million, ADB $302 million and AFD $200 million, the sources added.</div><div><br></div><div>The project was approved by the ECNEC on June 20, 2023 and is scheduled to be completed by 30 June 2028. At least 900 km of drains, 1500 km of roads and 7 Community facilities including climate resilient &amp; inclusive public space will be constructed under this project.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The development of poor settlements will also be ensured through the participation of 50 per cent women of the municipality in the construction work. Rezaul Islam was the first Project Director of the project while Md.Abdul Bareque was appointed as new Project Director of the project on January 2 this year.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Talking to this Correspondent, Project Director Abdul Bareque said the work is going on full swing.</div><div><br></div><div>He expects that the project will be completed in the stipulated time.</div><div>Sources in the ADB &amp; AFD emphasized on inclusive development through construction of infrastructure for the poor under the IUGIP project.</div><div><br></div><div>The sustainable development is not possible by keeping them out of development facilities. Besides, they also mentioned that development of management system and construction of climate resilient projects are prerequisites for sustainable development, sources added</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/R/fas</div>