This is the first comprehensive financial assistance package coming from the two major donor agencies, after this year's devastating floods. The donors had laid great emphasis on accurate assessment of the losses which is necessary for launching a successful rehabilitation drive. The damage has been estimated at over Tk 12,000 crore. So the task of helping the affected people and putting back the damaged infrastructure in order is a huge one.

The overall objective should be to ensure that there is no lag between fulfillment of financial targets and that of physical targets. The rehabilitation planners must prevent cost escalation which can seriously hinder implementation of the rehabilitation plan. It is imperative we have a realistic and need-based work plan. Finally, the quality of work has to be very good as a proof of making the best use of the available funds. This is particularly true about rebuilding the infrastructures like roads, schools etc. The WB and the ADB have suggested formation of a steering committee to coordinate all rehabilitation activities. The government should decide how best it could achieve coordination and efficiency. However, there is no doubt that sound planning and timely implementation of the rehabilitation programmes are needed to lessen the impact of floods that affected nearly two-thirds of the population. Time is a very important factor here since we are a late beginner and have already seen how the prices of vegetables and other foods have shot up in recent days. The farmers have to be supplied with agricultural inputs on an emergency basis.

The donor agencies, independent think tanks and the government itself appeared to have widely varying views on flood damages. However, a consensus has been reached on the issue and an action plan commensurate with the clearer picture of fund availability has been all but drawn up. Now the all important task is to implement the rehabilitation plan using the available funds efficiently.