Khulna: Khulna City Corporation (KCC) is taking significant strides to alleviate the city’s waterlogging woes through its ‘Waterlogging Removal Implementation Project,’ aimed at resolving the persistent issue of water stagnation affecting city dwellers. Construction of roads, drainage systems, sluice gates, and pump houses is progressing under the project, as confirmed by KCC officials.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, 130 kilometers of drains have already been completed, with the remaining 35 kilometers expected to be finalized next month. Shaikh Mohammad Masud Karim, Executive Engineer of KCC and Project Director, emphasized that these activities are prioritized to ensure smooth water flow in the canals and the River Moyuri. The road construction, spanning 270 kilometers, is near completion, with 14 kilometers scheduled for February and the final 1.5 kilometers by March, costing Tk 648.08 crore.
Additionally, 130 kilometers of drainage systems are completed, with ongoing construction of 35 kilometers set for completion by June at a total cost of Tk 823.76 crore. The digging of 10 canals and the Mayur River is finished, costing Tk 36 crore, while 50 percent of six sluice gates’ construction is accomplished, with completion anticipated by April.
Talking to BSS, KCC Chief Engineer Moshiuzzaman Khan confirmed the ongoing progress of roads, drainage systems, sluice gates, pump houses, and canal and river digging to mitigate waterlogging. Details of the construction progress were recently submitted to the Ministry of Local Government following a project implementation committee meeting.
KCC has faced challenges, including halted construction as contractors fled in August last year. Nonetheless, the corporation prioritizes resolving the waterlogging issue. Shaikh Ashrafuzzaman, President of the Greater Khulna Development Action Coordination Committee, noted KCC’s persistent efforts over the past 15 years to address waterlogging, though challenges persist during the rainy season.
In 2013, KCC initiated a Tk 65 crore dredging project under the ‘Urban Development Project,’ but it was incomplete. A subsequent 2018 initiative also fell short of permanently resolving the issue. Ashrafuzzaman suggested coordination with other government departments, including the Bangladesh Water Development Board, to achieve a lasting solution. He expressed optimism that the project’s completion would bring long-awaited relief to city dwellers.