MEDIA reports said the government has undertaken a nationwide project involving Tk 1,335-crore for excavating ponds, canals and water bodies aiming to create jobs for rural youths. The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC) has okayed the project for digging 2,532 small and big canals and water bodies by 2023 starting from next dry season.
The project appears to be quite good as filled up canals and other water bodies has reduced the surface level water bearing capacity in the country to add to rapid flooding. But much of the success of the project depends on proper utilisation of the fund and implementation of the project. Moreover, who will be those youths to be entitled to work for the project? If they will be selected from the poor families who need to supplement income for livelihood or the enlistment will be based on loyalty of the young people to ruling party is yet another question.
In our view such project should not be politically motivated to get the desired result. Because there is every fear that government control over such expenditure will be weak when it comes to fight back corruption by party men and misuse of funds. There is a growing risk that in such situation concerned officials can develop nexus with field level people to mislead project officials and take delivery of payment on false billing.
Our past experience is bitter with such projects. This is what exactly happened in the construction of flood control dams in Sunamgonj haors and almost all over when it comes with earth work related to road and dam construction. Many fear there may not be any exception with this project as well if the government does not properly monitor work and strictly control fund.
The huge project is being launched at a time when Parliament Election is scheduled for early 2019 and one can’t be wrong to apprehend that part of the fund may go to support ruling party’s grassroots activities for political end.
The stated aims of the project are good when it talks about jobs creation for unemployed youths. They can go for fish and duck farming and vegetables growing. But we must say selection of beneficiaries should not be faulty based on party loyalty, it should be open to all.
Needs be mentioned, such projects are meant for ensuring public welfare. It will be really good if so many water bodies can be renovated. However there must be transparency and accountability at all levels when it comes about spending big money.
The project appears to be quite good as filled up canals and other water bodies has reduced the surface level water bearing capacity in the country to add to rapid flooding. But much of the success of the project depends on proper utilisation of the fund and implementation of the project. Moreover, who will be those youths to be entitled to work for the project? If they will be selected from the poor families who need to supplement income for livelihood or the enlistment will be based on loyalty of the young people to ruling party is yet another question.
In our view such project should not be politically motivated to get the desired result. Because there is every fear that government control over such expenditure will be weak when it comes to fight back corruption by party men and misuse of funds. There is a growing risk that in such situation concerned officials can develop nexus with field level people to mislead project officials and take delivery of payment on false billing.
Our past experience is bitter with such projects. This is what exactly happened in the construction of flood control dams in Sunamgonj haors and almost all over when it comes with earth work related to road and dam construction. Many fear there may not be any exception with this project as well if the government does not properly monitor work and strictly control fund.
The huge project is being launched at a time when Parliament Election is scheduled for early 2019 and one can’t be wrong to apprehend that part of the fund may go to support ruling party’s grassroots activities for political end.
The stated aims of the project are good when it talks about jobs creation for unemployed youths. They can go for fish and duck farming and vegetables growing. But we must say selection of beneficiaries should not be faulty based on party loyalty, it should be open to all.
Needs be mentioned, such projects are meant for ensuring public welfare. It will be really good if so many water bodies can be renovated. However there must be transparency and accountability at all levels when it comes about spending big money.
