World Bank (WB) Managing Director Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala visited Social Investment Programme Project (SIPP) area in Jamalpur on 18 March 2008

World Bank (WB) Managing Director Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala went to Sonakata to visit a village cooperative set up under the World Bank-financed Social Investment Programme Project (SIPP).

The donor-agency MD went on a walkabout talking to villagers about their welfare. She said she was impressed with the enthusiastic approach of the rural people, specially the women, as they told her that they are now prepared with confidence to fight against poverty.

Iweala asked about the World Bank plan regarding SIPP schemes, she said the bank will continue to assist Bangladesh in eradicating poverty.

                         

Locals informed her that they are getting substantial benefits from the SIPP programme and requested her to give more funds from the UN-sponsored funding agency, World Bank, so that they can improve their life in the area.

SIPP has transformed lives of nearly two million people living in the 1000 project villages in Jamalpur and Gaibandha by empowering the community to collectively identify, prioritise, plan, fund and implement their development needs.

                                 

The World Bank MD assured them that she would talk to the government in this regard.

Iweala said, “Poverty cannot be eliminated in a day, it will take time. But I hope and believe that you will be succeeded and World Bank will continue to support you.” to encourage the struggling poverty-stricken people.

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