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new sewerage system in city

Waterlogging to reduce gradually


Published : 30 Aug 2019 08:59 PM | Updated : 06 Sep 2020 05:54 AM

The work of the new sewerage system has begun in capital Dhaka, LGRD and Cooperatives Minister M Tajul Islam said while addressing a seminar organised by Dhaka Utility Reporters Association (DURA) at the National Press Club in the city on Friday. “As we have begun the work on new sewerage system, waterlogging in the capital Dhaka would reduce gradually,” the minister added.

He said people in Dhaka face serious water-logging problems during the rainy season as a mere hour of rain plunges the capital into an abyss of water-logging, caused by poor drainage system and unplanned urbanization. “But our collective efforts have improved the situation significantly. However, the city has not been freed from the waterlogging completely yet. And the two city corporations are also working relentlessly to this end,” said M Tajul Islam.

Referring to the ever-growing population of the country, he said, “There is no country in the world capable of providing hundred percent civic facilities to citizens.” “With increased population growth, rapid urbanisation is taking place to meet the growing demand of people. We need more time to resolve these problems. Also we have to integrate and adopt long term strategies in this regard. The government is working relentlessly to make our city life more comfortable,” the minister said.

Referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's pledge of zero tolerance against corruption, Tajul said they are not tolerating any corruption and irregularities. “In line with the Awami League electoral pledges, we are working against the corruption,” he mentioned. Sewerage management is a big issue for the ruling Awami League to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mentionable, over the last few years, during rainy season, people from all walks of life including professionals, businessmen and students had faced various problems when going to their respective work places and educational institutions as the road connecting their house and the work places and educational institutions used to go under knee-deep water even after a short spell of light rain.

As manholes and drains were not cleaned up properly, polluted water from overflowing manholes and drains was also seen on the roads, lanes and by-lanes of many low-lying areas in the capital. The people, who used to live in the low lying areas, had to wade through this toxic and stinky water every day during the monsoon, exposing themselves to various infections and diseases.