9 faulty bridges to be rebuilt in Dhaka
We will increase connectivity among canals in Dhaka with this restoration work. This will not only increase waterway connectivity but also increase the beauty of the city.
Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD) Minister Md Tazul Islam yesterday said nine bridges in and around Dhaka, which obstruct the navigability of their adjacent waterbodies, will be rebuilt to restore connectivity among canals.
The minister also urged authorities concerned to take necessary steps in this regard.
He said this at a meeting to review waterlogging issues in Dhaka and Chattogram.
"We will increase connectivity among canals in Dhaka with this restoration work. This will not only increase waterway connectivity but also increase the beauty of the city," said Tazul, who chaired the meeting.
Directing all organisations to take actions against encroachers to recover canals and water bodies, the minister mentioned the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) drive to recover the canal in Basila by conducting eviction drives at illegal truck stands, houses and markets.
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) is also conducting drives against illegal encroachers to recover canals and waterbodies, he said.
Saying all organisations will have to take permission from the two city corporations to build any structure in the city, Tazul also urged the mayors to be alert so that people don't face harassment in the process.
Tazul asked Rajuk to involve the city corporations for its monitoring activities to check whether building owners are constructing their premises as per approved plans.
Criticising Rajuk for their failure to take action when housing companies filled up or encroached canals, DNCC mayor Md Atiqul Islam said some wide canals have been narrowed down to only two feet.
He said they will start works to set up boundary pillars on canals from February 17.
Meanwhile, DSCC mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh said they are taking different steps -- like keeping 30 pumps for the rainy season, cleaning canals and drains and repairing sluice gates -- to keep Dhaka city free from waterlogging during the coming rainy season.
He mentioned the Taltola Jheel, which is under attack from encroachers. Taposh said if the jheel is handed over to the city corporation from the ministry of housing, DSCC will be able to protect it from encroachers by setting up boundary walls.
Criticising Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), he said BIWTA is initiating some projects for which DSCC projects are facing obstacles.
At the meeting, a sub-committee headed by additional secretary of Local Government Division Muhammad Ibrahim has been formed to solve waterlogging problem and recovering canals in Chattogram.
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