Khulna Bastuhara colony waterlogged for five days
Rainwater has not receded from Khulna city’s Bastuhara colony even after five days, causing immense suffering to its 10,000 residents.
Due to incessant rain, two-third of the city went under water on Friday night. Although water went down from the city’s other areas by Saturday, most places of the colony are still submerged.
Visiting the area yesterday, this correspondent found the roads under water. Many were forced to stay indoors, with women and children being the worst sufferers.
The residents were wading through ankle-deep water. Most shops opened but customers were sparse.
The residents said the colony gets waterlogged even after a brief rain. Despite repeated promises pledged by public representatives, no initiative has been taken to reduce waterlogging, they alleged.
Talking to The Daily Star, Habibur Rahman, a local, said there was knee-deep water on Saturday afternoon.
“A canal flowing through the area is filled with garbage. So, it cannot drain the water. Besides, two narrow sewers are in similar state,” said Habibur.
Baby Begum, another resident, said several roads of the colony were repaired two years ago, but drainage system is yet to be improved. “The floors inside my house had remained flooded since Monday. During the time, we kept valuables, including our stove, on the bed.”
“My children cannot go to school due to the water,” she added.
Saddam Hossain, another resident, said the canal and drains in the area have not been dredged for years.
Md Mahafuzur Rahman, councillor of Ward-9, said the colony is situated in a low-lying area where the sewers are narrow. Rainwater moves towards the colony from adjacent areas, he added.
“I will take an initiative to resolve the crisis after consulting with the Khulna City Corporation (KCC) mayor,” said Mahafuzur.
Md Ziaur Rahman, assistant waste management officer (B-zone) of KCC, said they cleaned the drains after the downpour, but the area is still under water since it is low-lying.
The roads in the area have no drains on both of their sides, said the KCC official. Besides, the sewers cannot be kept clean because the residents always dump garbage in those, he added.
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