A poor family in Rajshahi's Paba upazila has found new hope after receiving housing materials, cash assistance and a submersible water pump from the local administration.
The beneficiaries, Motaleb, 54, and his wife Sanjuara Begum of Talgachhi Padmapukur village under Baragachhi Union, had been living in a dilapidated tin-shed house for years. During the rainy season, water leaked through the damaged roof, forcing the family to spend sleepless nights on wet beds. They also had to depend on neighbours and a nearby mosque for safe drinking water.
A visit to the village on Monday revealed that the family had received four bundles of corrugated tin sheets, Tk 12,000 in cash for house repairs and a submersible water pump from the upazila administration. The newly installed pump is now providing safe drinking water not only to the family but also to many neighbouring households.
Motaleb, once a bamboo worker, lost much of his earning ability after suffering a serious spinal injury in a workplace accident about a decade ago. Since then, the burden of supporting the family has fallen on his wife and younger son, Mithun Hossain, who work as agricultural labourers.
Recalling their hardship, Motaleb said, "During heavy rain, we had to place pots and buckets inside the house to collect leaking water. Many nights we slept on wet beds. I never thought I would be able to repair my house. The UNO has given us tin sheets, cash and a water pump. It feels like a dream has come true."
Sanjuara Begum said financial hardship had prevented them from repairing their house or installing a water source. "We used to collect drinking water from a distant mosque or neighbouring houses. After I sought help, the UNO visited our home and arranged the support within a few days. Now our neighbours are also benefiting from the water pump," she said.
She added that although she had earlier sought assistance from local representatives, no effective support was provided.
Local residents welcomed the initiative, saying the family had been struggling in extreme hardship for years and that the new water pump would benefit the entire neighbourhood.
Paba Upazila BNP Joint Convener Sultan Ahmed said the initiative reflected the humanitarian role of the administration and demonstrated how timely government support could change the lives of vulnerable families.
Paba Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Ibnul Abedin said the assistance was provided after personally visiting the family and assessing their living conditions.
"We provided four bundles of tin sheets, Tk 12,000 for repairing the house and a submersible water pump. Ensuring safe shelter and access to clean drinking water is a basic right. We are committed to delivering government assistance to the genuine beneficiaries, and no helpless person in the upazila should be deprived of public services," the UNO said.
