Whenever it rains outside, the residents of the Diabari Ashrayan Project feel a sense of dread. The reason is that the rain does not only fall outside – it also pours inside their homes. Water drips onto the floors through countless holes in the tin roofs.
In some places, iron rods have emerged from broken pillars, while elsewhere the fences have become unstable. Polythene sheets have been hung up to prevent water from entering. When that fails, residents have to spend sleepless nights removing water with buckets and jugs.
The houses that were built as safe shelters have, over time, become symbols of uncertainty and fear for the very people who live in them.
Around 100 families are enduring such hardship at the Diabari Ashrayan Project in Chala union of Harirampur upazila in Manikganj. Nearly 25 years ago, these homes were built as a place of shelter for landless people, widows and vulnerable families.
Despite the passage of decades, no major renovation has been carried out. Due to a lack of maintenance, the once-safe homes have now become dilapidated. With broken fences, unstable pillars, corroded tin sheets, damaged doors and windows, and unusable toilets and bathrooms, residents are living with daily risks.
One of the residents of this project is Ayesha Begum. She lost her husband 11 years ago. A few months after his death, she suffered a stroke that left one side of her body weakened. She is now unable to walk properly. She has a minor son in her family.
Battling physical illness and poverty, she has set up a small shop on the veranda of her house with an investment of Tk500 to Tk1,000. The small income from that shop is what keeps her household running.
Ayesha Begum said, “My hardship began after my husband died. A few months later, I suffered a stroke. Now I cannot walk properly. So, I set up a small shop on the veranda with Tk500 to Tk1,000. Whatever I earn from the shop is just enough to somehow run the family. If I manage to arrange one meal, it becomes difficult to afford the next one.”
Looking towards her house with a sigh, Ayesha said, “When it rains, water comes inside the house. Even putting up polythene sheets does not stop it. The pillar of the house has broken and the rods have come out. I feel afraid living in this house.”
Ayesha’s story is not unique. Almost every house in the project appears to tell the same story. Some homes have leaking roofs, some have broken fences, and others have damaged doors and windows. The shortage of basic facilities has further increased their suffering.
Rafiza Begum lost her husband 13 years ago. Her son struggles to support his own family, leaving him unable to afford repairs to his mother’s house.
Rafiza Begum said, “My husband died 13 years ago. My son cannot even properly support his own family. The condition of our house is very bad. Water leaks inside when it rains. Even polythene sheets cannot stop it. The pillar has broken and the rods have come out. We always live with the fear of what might happen.”
Monowara Begum’s voice also carries years of frustration.
Along with the condition of her house, she spoke about the poor state of the project’s toilets and tube wells. In her words, “The condition of the house is terrible. The toilet is damaged, and the tube well is also broken. We have been suffering like this for years. We are poor people. We do not have the ability to repair our homes with our own money. If the government paid a little attention, our suffering would be reduced.”
In Kajol Begum’s family, her husband is the only earning member. His limited income has to cover food, medical expenses and other necessities. They have no opportunity to think about repairing their house.
Kajol Begum said, “My husband is the only one who earns. That money has to cover all household expenses. Should we use it to run the family or repair the house?”
Rekha Akter has been living in this project for more than two decades. She lives with her husband and two sons. After moving to the Ashrayan project, she had dreamed of a secure life, but over time that dream has been replaced by anxiety.
Rekha Akter said, “I have been here for more than two decades. I have a family with my husband and two sons. So many years have passed, but the condition of the house has not improved. When it rains, water enters the house. It becomes impossible to stay inside. We want the government to repair our homes.”
Residents of the project alleged that they have informed the relevant authorities about the poor condition of the houses several times. They have also received assurances of repairs at different times. However, those promises have rarely been reflected in reality.
Regarding the matter, Deputy Commissioner Nazmun Ara Sultana said, “The renovation of the entire project falls under government policy. If the government takes a decision to renovate the project anew, the district administration will assist in implementing it.
At the same time, if any resident applies individually for assistance to repair their home, the administration will consider the matter from a humanitarian perspective and try to provide support as far as possible.”
