Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has called for a comprehensive and coordinated plan to permanently resolve waterlogging in Chattogram, stressing that isolated projects and a lack of coordination among agencies have hindered efforts to address the problem.
He also emphasised the need to construct pedestrian walkways and cycle tracks along canal banks, plant trees and improve the urban environment to make the port city more liveable.
The minister made the remarks at an exchange meeting with representatives of service-providing agencies at the conference room of Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) at Tigerpass on Friday afternoon.
The meeting discussed measures to address waterlogging in the metropolitan area and expedite ongoing development projects.
Presided over by CCC Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain, the meeting was attended by Chattogram-8 MP Ershad Ullah, Chattogram-9 MP Mohammad Abu Sufian, Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Engineer Belayet Hossain, Chattogram WASA Managing Director Engineer Selim Mohammad Jane Alam, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian and senior officials from relevant agencies.
The minister said various aspects of the waterlogging problem had been discussed in detail, including reviewing completed work and accelerating the implementation of outstanding tasks.
He observed that although several projects had been undertaken over the years to tackle waterlogging, the absence of an integrated plan and effective coordination had prevented the city from achieving the desired results.
Projects implemented separately often fail to deliver sustainable outcomes, while problems may emerge in one area before development work in another is completed, he said.
He stressed that all relevant agencies must work under a unified framework to ensure the effective use of public funds, speed up implementation and reduce the suffering of residents during the monsoon.
The minister also called for transforming canal development into a broader urban improvement initiative rather than limiting it to drainage alone.
He said pedestrian walkways should be constructed along both banks of major canals, while cycle tracks could be incorporated into ongoing and future projects wherever feasible. Such facilities would provide residents with spaces for walking, cycling, exercise and recreation while improving the city’s overall environment.
Emphasising the importance of greenery, Khosru said trees should be planted wherever possible to enhance the city’s beauty, maintain ecological balance and reduce air pollution.
He said waterlogging mitigation, tree plantation, walkways and cycle tracks should be integrated into a comprehensive plan to develop Chattogram into a cleaner, greener and more liveable city.
The minister also underscored the need for regular coordination among CCC, CDA, the Water Development Board, Chattogram WASA and Chattogram Port Authority, among other agencies involved in urban development and drainage management.
He stressed that the agencies should review project progress every month to identify implementation problems, avoid duplication of work and ensure timely completion.
Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain said the city corporation was working with relevant agencies to clean drains and canals and reduce waterlogging.
He thanked the finance and planning minister for allocating Tk45 crore for the development and cleaning of drains and canals ahead of the monsoon.
The mayor said several meetings had already been held to improve coordination among the agencies, and such initiatives would continue.
He added that arrangements were being planned to ensure the necessary technical support and maintenance after the developed canals were handed over to the city corporation.
According to the mayor, 130 canals have been identified within Chattogram city. Development work on some canals has been completed, while projects are being formulated for another 41. Further initiatives will be taken to develop the remaining canals as necessary.
Other speakers included Brigadier General Shamsul Alam Shams, commander of the Army’s 34 Engineer Construction Brigade; CMP Commissioner Hasan Mohammad Shawkat Ali; Additional Divisional Commissioner Monowara Begum; Waterlogging Mega Project Director Lt Col Mohammad Mohsin; CMP Additional Commissioner Hossain Mohammad Kabir Bhuiyan; CCC Chief Executive Officer and Secretary Mohammad Ashraful Amin; CCC Chief Engineer Anisur Rahman; Chief Cleaning Officer Captain Shamim Mohammad Khan; Chattogram Port Authority Chief Hydrographer Commander Md Obaidur Rahman; and Water Development Board Project Director Colonel Tarikul Alam.
