Building Resilience on the Coast: Good Neighbors’ DRR Project in Kalapara Transforms Disaster Preparedness

In the heart of Bangladesh’s cyclone-prone coastline, Kalapara Upazila stands as a testament to both vulnerability and resilience. Over the past two and a half years, Good Neighbors Japan, with funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Government of Japan and in collaboration with Good Neighbors Bangladesh, has implemented a transformative project titled “Construction and Renovation of Cyclone Shelters and Enhancement of the Community’s Capability of Disaster Prevention in Kalapara Upazila.” The initiative reached its successful conclusion in May 2025, with a milestone Project Closing and Achievement Sharing Workshop held at Payra Conference Hall, UNO Office, Kalapara.

This initiative began with a vision that stemmed from the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Sidr in 2007. Mr. Bartin Gomes, Managing Director of Good Neighbors Bangladesh, recalled his early visits to Kalapara and the need to build a safer, more disaster-resilient community. Fast forward to 2025—this vision has been translated into real, tangible change for thousands of residents in Nilganj, Mohipur, and Dalbuganj Unions.

Two newly constructed Multipurpose Cyclone Shelters with integrated cattle shelters, and the renovation of four existing shelters. Each multipurpose shelter, capable of accommodating up to 700 people and 200 cattle, is a model of disaster-safe infrastructure in Bangladesh. With separate rooms for women, pregnant mothers, people with disabilities, and cattle, these shelters redefine safety and dignity during emergencies. Equipped with water and sanitation systems, solar power, signal lights, first aid kits, and more.

The project successfully formed and trained:

• • 45 Village Disaster Management Committees (VDMCs)
• • 6 Operation and Management Teams (OMTs) and conducted numerous coordination meetings and capacity-building trainings involving over 9,000 participants.

These local committees, composed of both men and women, now hold the tools and knowledge to respond swiftly and effectively to disasters. Community-driven action plans, refresher trainings, monthly meetings, awareness campaigns, and mock drills have all created a culture of preparedness and collaboration across Kalapara.

At the closing workshop, local leaders and participants echoed the impact of the project:

“There are NGOs working in Kalapara, but none like Good Neighbors,” said Md. Ibrahim Khan, Panel Chairman of Mohipur Union Parishad. “They didn’t just hold meetings—they delivered real, visible change.”

Village Disaster Management Committee (VDMC) members like Harun Or Rashid and Operation and Management Team (OMT)  members such as Md. Mizanur Rahman shared how their shelters have transformed from neglected structures into trusted sanctuaries.

“People used to avoid the shelters,” said Md. Ayub Ali Akon. “Now, thanks to the renovations and facilities, they come without hesitation.”

On sustainability, Ms. Yukie Yoshimura, Project Manager of Good Neighbors Japan, emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum: “Refresher training and coordination meetings have prepared the people, but implementation during a real disaster is key. Sustainability depends on continued local ownership.”

Government officials, including Mr.Yeasin Sadek, AC Land Kalapara, and Md. Moksedul Alam, Project Implementation Officer, is committed to
supporting infrastructure development, including roads to shelters. They urged other NGOs to follow Good Neighbors’ model of community-centered and
action-driven projects.

Good Neighbors has not only constructed buildings but also constructed hope, ownership, and a roadmap for resilience.

In closing the workshop, Mr. Bartin Gomes reaffirmed his commitment to Kalapara: “I know this land, these people—and if possible, I will return with more projects. The journey does not end here.”

#DisasterPreparedness #CycloneShelters #CommunityResilience #GoodNeighbors #KalaparaBangladesh #MOFAJapan #DRRProject #SafeCommunities