Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the names of those involved in looting in the Chattogram waterlogging mitigation project will come to light through investigation, adding that the spending of approximately Tk14,000 crore will be scrutinised.
He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon after inspecting work on the project in the Bahaddarhat area of the city.
The minister said simply completing the ongoing project work will not provide a permanent solution to the waterlogging problem. Alongside development work, a long-term plan is needed to ensure regular management, for which an effective management roadmap will be created through coordination among all relevant agencies.
While noting that the project is being given the highest priority, he said the current government also has to bear the liabilities left behind by the previous administration.
“The issue of looting in the waterlogging project will be investigated separately. Those involved will be identified through the investigation. But at the same time, it is also urgent to complete the project work quickly to reduce public suffering,” he said.
The minister informed that there is a plan to bring 130 canals in the city under the project. Although work is currently underway on only a few canals, all will be included in phases.
Regarding the project’s progress, he said houses and markets have been constructed on many government lands and canals by encroachment, forcing the construction of retaining walls in various places.
Additionally, considering tidal effects, the depth and width of canals need to be re-determined. The remaining work will be completed after the monsoon season, he added.
Emphasising public awareness, the minister said waterlogging cannot be alleviated without citizen cooperation.
“If the dumping of garbage and various wastes into canals continues, the entire project will be disrupted,” he warned, calling upon city residents to be aware.
During the inspection, the finance minister was accompanied by State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Shipping Md Rajib Ahsan, State Minister for Land Mir Helal Uddin, and Dr Shahadat Hossain.
Chattogram District Commissioner Zahidul Islam Mia, Divisional Commissioner Md Ziauddin, CDA Chairman Engineer Nurul Karim, and senior officials from various departments were also present.
The minister later visited canal excavation, water drainage, and development activities in the Probartak Mor and Mojhirghat areas.
