Body formed to have authorities act in sync

A committee was formed yesterday to review the relevant laws of Wasa and city corporations to resolve the waterlogging crisis in Dhaka and Chittagong.

It will also find out any discrepancies as well as drainage responsibilities of different organisations.

LGRD Minister Khandker Mosharraf Hossain formed the committee at a meeting on waterlogging at the secretariat.

The committee, led by an additional secretary, also comprises three city mayors and three chief engineers of Dhaka and Chittagong city corporations and two managing directors of Dhaka and Chittagong Wasa (Water Supply and Sewerage Authority).

It was given one month's time to come up with a report.

The minister said the committee would also recommend legal amendment for coordination among different authorities, if required, for effective storm drainage management and he would sit again with the report after the Eid-ul-Azha holidays.

During the ongoing monsoon, the capital and port city have experienced some of the worst waterlogging in recent times.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh secretariat premises went under water yet again in the afternoon exactly when the local government minister was holding a meeting on waterlogging.

Though the ministers and high-ranking officials were seen leaving office in jeeps and mid-ranking ones in microbuses amid downpour, general staff had to take off their shoes and roll up trousers to get out of the country's administrative nerve centre wading through above-ankle filthy water.

In the meeting, the minister said, “At the moment, there is no coordination among the authorities responsible for storm drainage management and they act in an isolated manner. Wasa alone cannot resolve the problem and the mayors have to take initiatives for coordination.”

There are seven different authorities including Water Development Board, Rajuk and private housing developers that intervene in the capital city's storm drainage facility and maintenance. 

Replying to a journalist's question, the minister said, “There is no such situation at the moment that calls for a city government system.”    

Responding to another question, he said Wasa would investigate whether it is viable to open 15km box culverts on the capital's canals and he would allocate Tk 5,000 crore if needed. If not possible, they would at least ensure that those remain clear of blockage so rain water finds an easy passage.

DSCC Mayor Sayeed Khokon said though it is a mammoth task to open the box culverts, it is still possible if the government intends.

CCCMayor AJM Nasir Uddin said unplanned urbanisation, grabbing of canals and filling up of water retention areas were the reasons why the port city suffers from chronic waterlogging.

“Besides, utility agencies and other government organisations are randomly undertaking development projects without consulting with the city corporation on the plea that the projects are undertaken at the prime minister's directives.”

But the city corporation is made liable for any civic problem, he said. City's problems cannot be resolved without coordination among all the relevant agencies.