Chattogram Bureau: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will hand over newly built homes to 100 families affected by the recent floods in Chattogram’s Banshkhali upazila during his visit on Sunday.

Two helipads have been constructed near Baharchhara sea beach, while preparations for the programme, including the construction of a stage and pandal, are nearing completion.

Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian inspected the venue, helipads, security arrangements, and houses under construction on Friday.

Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Zahidul said Banshkhali was among the areas worst affected by the recent flooding in Chattogram.

Many homes, particularly mud houses belonging to members of the fishing community, were either fully or partially destroyed, he said.

The houses are being built on the prime minister’s instructions as part of an initiative to rehabilitate the affected families, the DC added.

According to the district administration, 100 families have been selected from Banshkhali municipality and nine unions of the upazila. Priority was given to families whose houses were destroyed and who lack the financial means to rebuild them.

Each 18-foot-by-12-foot house will have two rooms and an attached five-foot-by-five-foot toilet. The houses are being built with reinforced concrete pillars, timber, and corrugated iron sheets, taking the area’s vulnerability to natural disasters into account.

Zahidul said the proposed designs, facilities, and estimated construction costs had been sent to the relevant ministry. Construction began after the funds were allocated.

Separate teams comprising officials from the upazila administration, Project Implementation Office, and District Relief and Rehabilitation Office have been formed to monitor the work.

“Our aim is not merely to build the houses. We want to ensure that the beneficiaries can live in them safely for a long time. That is why the construction of each house is being monitored separately,” the DC said.

The prime minister is expected to begin the handover by giving the key to a widow who lives with her child.

During the programme, 15 children and adults with disabilities will receive financial assistance from the Ministry of Social Welfare. The district administration will also distribute relief materials among 200 flood-affected families.

The DC said several sites in Banshkhali were initially considered for the prime minister’s helicopter landing. Representatives of the Bangladesh Air Force also inspected the possible locations.

However, the sites were deemed unsuitable due to flood-damaged roads and a lack of adequate open space. The area near Baharchhara sea beach was later selected, where two helipads have been constructed.

Zahidul said he hoped the prime minister’s visit would bring wider recognition to Baharchhara sea beach and benefit the local fishing community and economy.

After the Banshkhali programme, the prime minister is scheduled to visit Babunagar Madrasa and meet its teachers and authorities.

He will then travel to Hathazari to offer prayers at a graveyard and attend a programme for flood-affected people. Financial assistance for rebuilding homes is expected to be provided to 30 families there, while people with disabilities will also receive assistance.

The prime minister is scheduled to attend a party programme in Chattogram city later in the day.

The district administration aims to complete all preparations, including the stage, pandal, helipads, and security arrangements, by noon today, the DC said.