Summit, the country’s leading infrastructure company, has extended the duration of the Local Livelihood Development Project (LEP) in Maheshkhali by another year through an agreement with Young Power in Social Action (YPSA). Based on the success of the first phase, the Summit LNG Terminal Limited (SLNG) project will continue till September 2026, a press release said.
YPSA implemented the first phase of the project from 2020 to 2024. During this period, SLNG provided skill development training to a total of 1,591 beneficiaries and distributed cash grants of approximately one (01) crore taka. Most of the beneficiaries are from Ghativhanga, Sonadia, Tajiakata and Nayapara areas and they fish in small boats.
As part of the project, men are provided with boat repair training and necessary equipment. Through which they are able to earn an average of Tk 9,000 to 12,000 per month. Women have been provided with sewing training as well as electric sewing machines. They have learned how to weave fish nets and make dry food in a healthy way through solar-powered tents. They are also provided with fishing equipment, which they can rent out to earn extra income.
In addition, Summit has renovated the “Sonadia Government Primary School” at a cost of about Tk 4 million and installed infrastructure development, solar power connection and other necessary facilities. After the renovation, the school was handed over to the Upazila Education Officer (UEO).
SLNG was represented at the agreement signing ceremony by the company’s Managing Director and CEO Md. Sayedul Alam, Advisor Md. Shamsul Alam, Senior Manager Md. Rafiqul Islam and Deputy Manager of Environment, Health and Safety Department Md. Mehedi Hasan Obi.
On the other hand, YPSA was represented by Founder and Chief Executive Dr. Md. Arifur Rahman, Director of Social Development Department Nasim Banu and Assistant Director Md. Nazmul Haider.
