Big C.O.R.S.O. plan to aid Bangladesh

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32885, 7 April 1972, Page 10

Big C.O.R.S.O. plan to aid Bangladesh

. (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, April 6. G.0.R.5.0. will spend a minimum of $265,000 on a special five-point Bangladesh rehabilitation programme. The money will come from a national cash appeal in June.

The financial assistance to Bangladesh will cover the supply of four jet boats to provide a fast and reliable form of transport for food distribution. These boats have already been sent, and are due to arrive in Bangladesh early next month, before the height of the monsoon season. Other measures are: The introduction of area schemes for the redevelopment of crops and land ravaged during last year’s war. The introduction of village rebuilding programmes. The provision of medical aid for hospitals. The provision of tools, fishing nets, and agricultural implements.

The director of C.0.R.5.0. (the Rev. R. H. Dixon) said in a statement that Bangladesh was the eighth largest country in the world, with a population of 75m. “There is no doubt that the world is facing a problem in Bangladesh that is larger than any that the world has ever faced before, even in post-war periods,” Mr Dixon said. “It is a situation so complex and difficult that a really concerted New Zealand effort at the inter-Govemmental level, in the private sector, and by voluntary agencies, is desperately needed.” Some steps toward rehabilitation had already been taken and a crop mainly of rice, was at present approach ing maturity. “This is the first step,” Mr Dixon said. “Once the land has been brought back into production, the local relief

and rehabilitation agencies can set about rebuilding villages and setting up local traders and craftsmen.”

The C.0.R.5.0. grant for tools, fishing nets, and agricultural implements would assist with this programme.