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$5.5m UNDP project for economic development of CHT

FE Report

9/20/2004

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is
implementing a project worth $5.5 million (5.5 lakh) for the economic
development of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).
Of the total budget, $3.3 million will be shared by the USAID and the
AusAID while $ 2.0 million will be funded by the UNDP.
The project titled 'Promotion of development and confidence building in
the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT)' will help promote dynamic social and
economic activity and facilitate harmonious and fruitful relationship
among the various ethnic groups and build confidence among the
stakeholders.
The other objectives are to help build capacity of CHT institutions and
restore donor confidence and encourage funding.
"The project funds will be directed toward small projects using
appropriate technology to open new opportunities for employment and
income and improve local infrastructure and social services," said a
UNDP source.
The UNDP is implementing the project with the partnerships from ministry
of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional
Council, Hill District Council, circle chiefs, CHT Development Board,
village organisations and local NGOs.
According to the UNDP, the present condition of the majority of people
in the CHT underscores the need for immediate assistance and quick
results.
"Therefore these small development projects will be funded through the
'quick impact fund' paving the way for communities' direct access to
micro-grants averaging $ 5,000 per project," the UNDP said.
Horticulture, poultry farming and goat raising are popular professions
among the CHT communities and the UNDP project will provide training and
technical support on respective categories.
The local people of the CHT will be the direct beneficiaries of the
project.
A total of 120 communities have been selected for pilot activities
during the first six months and 500 communities to be reached by the end
of the first year.
The CHT, a vast area of 12 ethnic groups, lies along the border with
India and Myanmar.
The 25-year bitter fight over land and resource management issues left
most of its 1.3 million people stranded in poverty and in dire need of
development opportunities.
After the armed conflict ended in late 1997, the area has been the focus
of renewed attention from donors and development organisations.