Eighteen houses built under a government shelter project in Ashasuni upazila of Satkhira are at risk of erosion before they are handed over to landless and homeless families, raising questions over the sustainability of the project.
The houses were constructed in Mahishkur area of Sriula Union but cracks have appeared around the structures due to soil erosion along nearby fish ponds.
Field observations show the houses were built in rows with fish ponds on both sides.
Large cracks have developed in the soil in front of and behind the houses while parts of the protective palla siding installed to protect the banks have tilted.
Local residents say the erosion is gradually approaching the structures, creating concerns about their safety.
According to the office of the Ashasuni Upazila Project Implementation Officer, a total of 18 houses were constructed on 55 acres of land for landless and homeless families.
Each house was built at an estimated cost of Tk2,59,500, bringing the total project cost to Tk46,71,000.
Almost a year has passed since the scheduled completion time but the houses have not yet been handed over to beneficiaries.
Sriula Union social worker Sheikh Habibur Rahman said the situation is disappointing given the scale of the investment.
“It is very disappointing that the bank collapsed before the inauguration of the shelter project, which was built at a cost of about half a crore taka,” he said.
“The type of land and the impact of the surrounding enclosure should have been taken into due consideration during the implementation of the project,” he added.
He said the houses have remained unused for a long time with inadequate supervision.
“We demand that the matter be investigated and those responsible be held accountable and the houses be made safe and handed over to the landless people as soon as possible.”
Ashasuni Upazila Project Implementation Officer Amirul Islam said the erosion was linked to nearby fish enclosures.
“There are fish enclosures on both sides of the Mahishkur Shelter Project,” he said.
“The palla siding survived for so long because of the water in the enclosure.”
However, he said the protective siding tilted after enclosure owners released irrigation water.
“We have visited the site and informed the higher authorities about the matter,” he said.
“When the enclosure owners raise the water again, the siding will be repaired.”
Local residents fear erosion could worsen during the monsoon season if water pressure increases.
They have called for urgent and sustainable measures to protect the houses before they are handed over to beneficiaries.
