A groundwater-based water treatment plant constructed at a cost of nearly Tk 50 million in Jibannagar Municipality of Chuadanga has remained non-operational for five years since its completion, depriving at least 5,000 residents of access to safe drinking water.
The government-funded project, implemented by the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) under the Municipality–Thana Growth Centre Project, was completed in February 2021 but has not been commissioned even for a single day. As a result of prolonged neglect, the facility has effectively turned into an abandoned structure.
Bushes have overgrown the pump house, overhead tank and reserve tank areas, while valuable equipment—including switchboards, motors, filters, pipes, generators and an electric transformer—has either been stolen or rendered unusable. The pump gallery and control room are now empty, buildings have developed cracks, and doors and windows are damaged. The entire facility is reportedly being used as accommodation for municipal sweepers.
The project included a groundwater treatment plant, pump house, overhead tank and 300 pipeline connections, while the municipality later added 200 more connections. Despite having a daily water supply capacity of 3,500 cubic metres, the plant has never supplied water.
Allegations have surfaced that unethical interference by former mayor Jahangir Alam at the initial stage prevented the original contractor Monir Traders from properly executing the work. Sources claim the project was carried out by individuals linked to him, including Jibannagar Rupa Construction, leading to widespread irregularities and corruption. At the time, no one reportedly dared to protest.
Former Upazila DPHE officer Rajib Hasan Raju claimed the project was completed according to rules and handed over to the municipality. However, municipal records reportedly contain no handover documents.
Municipal Administrator Syedzadi Mahbuba Manjur Mauna said an investigation began after she assumed office, while Assistant Engineer Abul Kashem cited lack of trained technical manpower.
Residents have demanded immediate repair or replacement of equipment, a thorough investigation, and urgent commissioning of the plant, warning that without intervention the costly infrastructure may become permanently unusable.
