The Chittagong Development Authority (CDA) undertook the Chittagong Waterlogging Removal Project (CWRP) four years ago at a cost of Tk 5,616 crore. However, the residents are yet to get any relief as the project is yet lagging. The project includes the removal of soil from 36 canals, acquisition of 6,516 kathas of land, construction of new 85.68 km of roads and 176 km of RCC retaining wall, and many more. While people familiar with the project claim that the work is 70 per cent complete, experts are of the view that improper planning is rendering the project useless.
As the torrential downpour continues, the port city’s alleys and sub-lanes were submerged in knee-deep water starting Wednesday. The suffering of locals and pedestrians knew no end as they struggled to navigate through the waterlogged city. The waterlogging elimination project contains inconsistencies and it is necessary to publish the technical report of the work done so far. The canals are full of garbage and the water from the Karnaphuli River that enters the city does not leave.
The waterlogging problem is going beyond description day by day. As the problem is affecting the health and communication system of the civilian, precautionary measures are needed to be taken as early as possible. First of all, a well planned drainage system is a must. If the rain water cannot pass properly there will be waterlogged. Also waste from houses, other buildings, offices go through the drain. If the drain is stuck the water cannot pass. So, the drainage problem has to be solved by local authorities or the city mayor. People should be aware of not throwing no degradable things into the drain directly. Waste materials are needed to be disposed of properly so that it cannot make the drain stuck.
Increase of construction and maintenance cost is a very crucial topic. Enrollment of workers in road construction and proper maintenance system will be effective. Government should raise the maintenance cost. By digging more canals, ponds, and by making rivers wide with diggers these steps will be effective for this waterlogging problem because by this the normal watery wastes as well as the rain water will be passing properly. Disaster is fearful but with our preparation and awareness we can reduce the damages of disasters.
