It is now the monsoon season in Bangladesh. It is raining as usual. Flooding in Bangladesh is a normal phenomenon. If there is heavy rain in the north (in India as well), then we have flood in Bangladesh subsequently. Now some parts of Bangladesh are already inundated. Vegetable fields, banana and papaya plantations are mostly damaged.

People were hoping that under the present administration prices of food commodities would be in the affordable range. But this is not happening. Marginal income group people are under great pressure. 1 kilo of the cheapest variety of rice is selling for Tk 23. The Government is organizing a few sale centres (fair price shops). But for the country these are of no significance. These are like bubbles against the demands of 150 million consumers. I think the government should try to instill confidence in the business community and earn their cooperation. We have a feeling that the country is heading towards economic chaos.

We sank a tubewell on 20/11 - 21/11/06 for the family of Anima(wife) and Nikel (husband). The tubewell functioned well for more than 6 months. Recently the TW has developed a leak and the pump is delivering muddy water. The tubewell is not useable any more.

Solution - a) All the materials of the pumping side are reuseable. b) We have to drill a new well. Hopefully we may retrieve 60 feet 3 inch diameter pipe which form the upper part of the well. Other components (1.5 inch dia blind pipe - 130 ft = Tk 2600 ; Filter - 10 ft = Tk 170 ; Adhesive glue - Tk 200 ; Total - Tk 2970) would cost Tk 2970. Sinking of the well would cost Tk 4000 and transportation etc. Tk 150. The grand total is Tk 7120.

I seek your advice. Can we help this family?

News from the Hilltracts. I received a few calls from Mg Hla, Hton Mra Oo's son from Baishari. Now they can call from mobile phones from near by places. This improvement in communication should enable us to continue the program in Baishari.

Sunil, Chittagong, August 1st 2007