Chattogram Bureau :
The jetties of Chittagong port, which are less than half a century old, are becoming increasingly dangerous. Although attempts have been made to keep the jetties in operation through regular maintenance due to long-standing technology and various limitations, large holes have been created across the jetty. The port is also becoming a threat to thousands of locals and foreigners involved in various activities ranging from handling goods.
According to sources, the first six of the main jetties of Chittagong port, the gateway to the country’s import-export trade, are relatively older. In particular, the number one to number six jetty was built in 1971. These jetties are over forty years old. Although this is not the age for an infrastructure, the jetties had to be built by overcoming various engineering constraints, rod weaknesses and various obstacles. The port jetty is a specialized facility. . Various technologies are used in each jetty to build pillar after pillar by keeping the current of the river straight. In this way the deck has been taken to a great depth of the river. Rod cement and concrete have been poured on it. There is river water under each jetty. There are strong currents. There is a deep river below the RCC where the goods are unloaded from the ship to the jetty.
The old jetties(berth) of Chittagong port are regularly maintained and the port authorities try to keep them well. But day by day the usage and demand has increased to such a level that it is not possible to repair everything or renovate the jetty. Many large holes have been made in the old jetties. The currents of Karnafuli are flowing below them. If for some reason someone falls into this hole or a product falls, there is a risk of a major accident.
A top official of a shipping agency in Chittagong said yesterday that the matter was not a matter of two or four holes or someone falling. The matter is more serious. Are these holes giving any massage? Massage to end the life of jetties. He said on condition of anonymity that the technology was far behind when the jetties were built. What was done with that backward technology has served the country and the nation for many years. Now is probably the time to rethink. The matter was discussed with several officials of the port authority yesterday. They said repairing the jetty hole was just a matter of time. There is nothing to worry about. They commented that the jetties are old but still quite tough.
