Waterlogging removal project in Chittagong

In Chittagong too, the drainage system was developed on a piecemeal basis

The government has taken a huge project to address the perennial water-logging problem in the port city of Chittagong. Not that the predicament was not addressed before, but almost all of the past initiatives were poorly and also inefficiently implemented. However, a little over a week ago the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the Tk 5,616.50 crore worth project to mitigate the sufferings of Chittagong residents. The initiative is definitely crucial, but even more crucial is to ensure that the money is spent rightly while delivering the expected result.

Known as the commercial hub of the country, Chittagong experienced the extreme level of misery caused by water logging. Most of the port city went under knee- to waist-deep water during the pre-monsoon and monsoon periods. The worst sufferers included the residents of Bakalia Baddarhat, Muradpur, Solosahar, GEC Mor (crossing), WASA Crossing, Kapasgola, Panchlais, Badurtala, Halishahar, Agrabad, Probartak Mor, Chaktai and Chandgaon. The situation worsened as the remedial efforts of the Chittagong City Corporation and all other authorities concerned clearly seemed inadequate and ill-planned. The public representatives at the local as well as the national level have always promised to solve the problem. However, drawing lessons from the recent miseries, we expect the government’s recent project would be implemented under strict monitoring.

The first cause of Chittgong's severe water-logging is its chocked-up network of 16 major canals which were supposed to flush out the rain water. For decades the authorities concerned have not taken initiatives to clear these important canals while remove obstacles to ensure normal outflow of water. Fortunately enough, unlike the capital city Dhaka, Chittagong has most of its water bodies in place. And the second cause is the absence of a well-knit underground drainage system. Like Dhaka in Chittagong too, the drainage system was developed on a piecemeal basis along with dangerously slow expansion to all directions. This problem should be strategically and realistically addressed.

The government faced sharp criticisms despite making allocations for various development projects in Chittagong in the past amid allegations that there had been lack of coordinated efforts and expert opinions. It is the last two points which should be noted seriously.

Especially this time we must ensure quality work and common people should also be incorporated to play the role of watchdog in this regard. We need to make sure that each penny of the allocation is used in a way that it brings benefit for the people in Chittagong.

 

Waterlogging removal project in Chittagong

In Chittagong too, the drainage system was developed on a piecemeal basis

The government has taken a huge project to address the perennial water-logging problem in the port city of Chittagong. Not that the predicament was not addressed before, but almost all of the past initiatives were poorly and also inefficiently implemented. However, a little over a week ago the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the Tk 5,616.50 crore worth project to mitigate the sufferings of Chittagong residents. The initiative is definitely crucial, but even more crucial is to ensure that the money is spent rightly while delivering the expected result. Known as the commercial hub of the country, Chittagong experienced the extreme level of misery caused by water logging. Most of the port city went under knee- to waist-deep water during the pre-monsoon and monsoon periods. The worst sufferers included the residents of Bakalia Baddarhat, Muradpur, Solosahar, GEC Mor (crossing), WASA Crossing, Kapasgola, Panchlais, Badurtala, Halishahar, Agrabad, Probartak Mor, Chaktai and Chandgaon. The situation worsened as the remedial efforts of the Chittagong City Corporation and all other authorities concerned clearly seemed inadequate and ill-planned. The public representatives at the local as well as the national level have always promised to solve the problem. However, drawing lessons from the recent miseries, we expect the governments recent project would be implemented under strict monitoring. The first cause of Chittgongs severe water-logging is its chocked-up network of 16 major canals which were supposed to flush out the rain water. For decades the authorities concerned have not taken initiatives to clear these important canals while remove obstacles to ensure normal outflow of water. Fortunately enough, unlike the capital city Dhaka, Chittagong has most of its water bodies in place. And the second cause is the absence of a well-knit underground drainage system. Like Dhaka in Chittagong too, the drainage system was developed on a piecemeal basis along with dangerously slow expansion to all directions. This problem should be strategically and realistically addressed. The government faced sharp criticisms despite making allocations for various development projects in Chittagong in the past amid allegations that there had been lack of coordinated efforts and expert opinions. It is the last two points which should be noted seriously. Especially this time we must ensure quality work and common people should also be incorporated to play the role of watchdog in this regard. We need to make sure that each penny of the allocation is used in a way that it brings benefit for the people in Chittagong.