The cost of the Sylhet City Corporation project to reduce waterlogging and strengthen safe water supply has risen to Tk1,766.05 crore following a second revision that expanded its scope.
The revised project was approved on Tuesday at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), chaired by Chief Adviser and ECNEC Chair Muhammad Yunus.
The cost increase reflects the inclusion of RCC roads, drains and retaining walls to make infrastructure more durable after repeated damage from heavy rainfall and upstream water flow. Added street lighting in newly developed areas and increased asphalt overlay on damaged roads aim to improve safety and mobility.
The project was originally approved at Tk1,228.02 crore and later revised to Tk1,266.05 crore, with the latest revision adding Tk499.99 crore. Of the revised total, Tk1,520.56 crore will come from government financing, while Sylhet City Corporation will contribute Tk245.49 crore from its own funds.
Being implemented under the Local Government Division from January 2020 to June 2026, the project covers construction of 269.18 kilometres of roads, 363.92 kilometres of drains, and 6.73 kilometres of retaining walls.
The expanded scope also includes reconstruction of boundary walls demolished during road widening and procurement of additional machinery for regular excavation and maintenance of 13 streams and canals flowing through the city.
Installation of water pipelines of various sizes has been increased to strengthen the supply of safe drinking water. Other components include 22.75 kilometres of road dividers with tree plantation, erosion protection measures, steel railings along major drains, electrical works, and the purchase of essential equipment and vehicles.
As of June 2025, the financial progress of the project stands at 92.09 per cent, while physical progress has reached 92.50 per cent.
Officials said the completed project will significantly reduce waterlogging, improve road conditions, and ensure more reliable access to safe drinking water for Sylhet residents.
