Integrated plan needed to tackle Chattogram waterlogging: Finance minister

Highlights

• Agencies urged to coordinate ongoing drainage projects
• Monthly reviews proposed to track implementation progress
• Canal restoration may include walkways and cycle tracks
• Tk45 crore allocated for pre-monsoon drain cleaning
• 41 of 130 canals targeted for development

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has called for an integrated plan to tackle Chattogram's persistent waterlogging, urging government agencies to coordinate drainage projects, review progress monthly and incorporate environmental improvements into urban development.

Speaking at a meeting with service-providing agencies at the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) office in Tigerpass today (9 October), he said fragmented initiatives had failed to deliver the expected results because of inadequate coordination and the absence of an overall plan.

"Several projects have been undertaken at different times to address waterlogging in the city, but the lack of an overall plan and coordination has made it difficult to achieve the expected results," he said.

He noted that completing a project in one area could leave problems unresolved elsewhere, making coordinated planning essential to address the city's drainage challenges.

Canal development to include walkways

The minister said ongoing and future projects should consider developing major canals alongside pedestrian walkways and cycle tracks wherever feasible.

Such initiatives could improve drainage while creating public spaces for walking, cycling, exercise and recreation, he said, adding that canal restoration should contribute to a greener and more liveable city.

He also called for tree plantation wherever space permits to improve the urban environment, maintain ecological balance and reduce air pollution.

Monthly reviews to track projects

Amir Khosru urged CCC, the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA), the Water Development Board, Chattogram Wasa, port authorities and other relevant agencies to work together and regularly assess project implementation.

He said monthly progress reviews would help accelerate work, reduce wasteful spending and ease the daily hardship caused by waterlogging.

CCC Mayor Shahadat Hossain said the city corporation was working with relevant agencies to clean drains and canals and improve drainage.

He thanked the minister for allocating Tk45 crore for drain and canal improvement and cleaning ahead of the monsoon.

Of the 130 canals identified in Chattogram, plans were being prepared to develop 41, the mayor said. A cycle track extending more than 2.2km has already been built in the airport area, while future canal-development projects are expected to include walkways and cycle tracks.

Chattogram-8 MP Ershad Ullah said drainage obstructions and inadequate water discharge caused prolonged waterlogging in parts of his constituency during heavy rainfall. He called for an integrated approach covering drainage systems, canals and water-retention areas.

Chattogram-9 MP Mohammad Abu Sufian also stressed stronger coordination among the CDA, city corporation, Water Development Board, Chattogram Wasa and other agencies.

Canal restoration and flood protection

CDA Chairman Engineer Belayet Hossain said 37 of the city's 130 canals had been renovated, while the remaining canals also needed restoration to ensure normal water flow.

He proposed considering specialised engineering firms to operate sluice gates and regulators. He also expressed hope that the outer ring road project up to Kalurghat would be completed by December.

Brigadier General Shamsul Alam Shams, commander of the Army's 34 Engineer Construction Brigade, said ongoing waterlogging projects were nearing completion and would significantly reduce the problem.

However, he stressed that canals outside the existing projects also required excavation and that regular maintenance would be essential after restoration.

Deputy Commissioner Zahidul Islam Mia emphasised the proper operation and regular maintenance of pumps and sluice gates.

He said a proposal had been sent to the Cabinet recommending that at least one kilometre of road in each union be raised to a relatively higher level to provide shelter for people and livestock during floods.

Chattogram Wasa Managing Director Engineer Selim Mohammad Zane Alam suggested outsourcing sluice gate operations and constructing at least two connecting cross-canals on either side of the city. He also recommended considering arch-bridge designs for future bridge construction.

He said construction of a sewerage project in Halishahar was expected to begin next year, while water development projects were being planned with the city's needs over the next 100 years in mind.

Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasan Mohammad Shawkat Ali, Additional Divisional Commissioner Monowara Begum, Mega Project Director Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Mohsin and representatives of the relevant agencies attended the meeting.