Sylhet Bureau :
Several walkways and water fountains were constructed in different areas of Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) which are now being used as the dumping stations for garbage. Walkways were constructed on canals and spectacular fountains constructed at various points of the city adjacent to the banks of the Surma River.
Though SCC Mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury was praised by the residents of the city for making these walkways and beautiful fountains, but his actions are now scattering ashes in the bud due to lack of supervision.
Garbage were piled up on the built walkways month after month. Moreover, the fountains have become a breeding ground for mosquitoes now-a-days. According to the sources concerned, SCC has been spraying repellent in the city for some time. But no effective forays are seen. Mosquito larvae have been found in the neglected fountain.
It has been seen on the spot that the cleaners have cleaned the box culvert of Jallachhara in Jallarpar of the city and put garbage in the walkways. Although there have been piles of rubbish for about a month and a half, no steps have been taken to clean them.
Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) Chief Engineer Nur Azizur Rahman said, “Two box culverts and five walkways have been constructed in the city at a cost of Tk 29 crore. Though these were developed for beautification, it was unfortunate that its grill was cut and stolen. In addition, there is a pile of garbage. Necessary initiatives are needed to take to remove this.” The walkways will be leased and the entrance fee will be fixed at half. Then the leaseholder will maintain them.” said SCC Chief Engineer said.
Meanwhile, acknowledging the issue of mosquito breeding in the fountain, Dr Zahidul Islam, Chief Health Officer of Sylhet City Corporation, said, “Mosquito eradication activities are going on in the city and the concerned will be urged to keep the fountains clean.”
Mayor of Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) Ariful Haque Choudhury and Conservative Officer Hanifur Rahman were contacted over mobile to know about overall matter but they did not receive the call.
