State Minister for Local Government Mir Shah Alam on Saturday said civic awareness is essential to make Chattogram’s anti-waterlogging efforts effective, as canals cleaned by government agencies are being filled with waste again within a week.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting several canals in the city, the minister urged residents not to dump rubbish into canals and instead use the dustbins provided by Chattogram City Corporation (CCC).
He said the CCC would collect and transport waste to dumping stations if residents disposed of garbage at designated places.
“Currently, the Engineering Corps, Water Development Board, Chattogram City Corporation, Chattogram Development Authority and the Port Authority are working together to reduce waterlogging,” he said.
The minister, however, expressed concern that many recently cleaned canals had already become clogged again due to indiscriminate waste dumping.
“A sustainable solution is not possible without public awareness,” he said.
Mir Shah Alam said the government plans to install netting over canals to prevent direct dumping of waste. Walkways will also be constructed along canal banks after renovation work is completed, he added.
He said modern sluice gates and pumps had already been installed to maintain water flow, with some systems operating automatically through tidal pressure.
The minister expressed hope that the ongoing projects would reduce waterlogging in Chattogram by 80 to 90 per cent. Several key works are scheduled for completion by December, he said.
The CCC will also improve drainage systems and raise roads in low-lying areas, including Prabartak Mor.
Mir Shah Alam said a special committee formed under the direction of the prime minister is regularly monitoring the progress of the projects.
“As a government elected by the people’s vote, we are committed to ensuring maximum services for citizens,” he said.
The minister also urged residents to remain patient, saying temporary waterlogging could still occur during heavy rainfall and it might take time for water to recede.
Earlier in the afternoon, a high-level delegation led by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury inspected renovation work on three canals in the city.
State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan, State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin and Dr Shahadat Hossain were also present during the inspection.
