Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Belayet Hossain has pledged to transform the authority into a corruption-free, dynamic, and pro-people organisation. He noted that long-standing stagnation, irregularities, and corruption have prevented many CDA projects from yielding their desired benefits.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday afternoon following an inspection of various ongoing and under-implementation development projects, the Chairman said, past corruption within different projects would be investigated.
Hossain highlighted that numerous projects have remained stalled for years. He pointed out that although modern markets have been constructed, they have not been commissioned, resulting in a loss of rental income.
Furthermore, he addressed irregularities regarding the Shaheed Wasim Akram Elevated Expressway, noting that many users, including government officials, are failing to pay the required tolls. He assured that effective measures would be taken to stop such irregularities.
During his morning visit, the Chairman inspected several sites under the waterlogging mitigation project, including Prabartak intersection, Hijra Khal, Kapasgola, and Chaktai. He later visited the Kalurghat-Chaktai link road and the elevated expressway project.
Hossain reported that work on 30 out of the 36 canals under the waterlogging project has reached 100% completion. Work on another five canals is approximately 68% finished, and the entire project is expected to be completed by December.
He credited the 34 Engineer Brigade of the Bangladesh Army for implementing the project despite significant challenges, such as the eviction of numerous illegal structures and the removal of multi-storey buildings. He remarked that the Chaktai Khal, once a symbol of public suffering, has been turned into a “blessing” with the construction of modern sluice gates, and expressed hope that city residents would begin to reap the benefits this year.
The CDA Chairman emphasised the importance of public awareness in resolving waterlogging, saying that development projects will not achieve their goals if waste continues to be dumped into canals and drains. He called upon city residents to play a responsible role.
Regarding the Kalurghat-Chaktai link road, Hossain noted that the road has brought positive changes to the city’s communication system and opened new possibilities for trade and commerce. Residents of Boalkhali and surrounding areas can now travel quickly to the city while avoiding traffic congestion, which will also reduce vehicle pressure in the Chaktai-Khatunganj area.
The Chairman further revealed plans to develop the Karnaphuli riverbank as a tourism-friendly zone. Initiatives will be taken to implement tourism-related projects there once the roadwork is completed in December.
Present during the inspection were Lieutenant Colonel Mohsinul Haque, Project Director of the waterlogging mitigation project from the 34 Engineer Brigade; CDA Chief Engineer Ahmed Anwarul Nazrul, Secretary Mohammad Mahbubul Karim, and other senior project officials.
