Mega projects interfering with DSCC works

Lack of coordination among different service providing agencies is increasing sufferings of city dwellers, said Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh yesterday.

The DSCC mayor made the comment while visiting Kamalapur-TT Para area to observe the ongoing development works to mitigate waterlogging problems in the area.

"The extension work of metro rail from Motijheel to Kamalapur is conflicting with the work of DSCC. But metro rail authorities had earlier said it will not be the case. However during a recent field visit, it was found that the work is creating conflict," Taposh said.

"It is very unfortunate that the metro rail authorities have sought permission to set up the MRT line at Kamalapur where our development work is ongoing," said Taposh.

Different organisations are working in an unplanned way without any coordination with the city corporation, he said.

"Similarly, we have taken huge initiatives for the drainage development work in Shyampur industrial area but the works of Padma Bridge project have blocked all the outlets of passing rain water in the area, which is causing waterlogging," said the mayor.

This is why the entire Shyampur industrial area is now affected by waterlogging, Taposh added.

The mayor also said he becomes frightened when he thinks about what will happen during the rainy season.

"We have requested the authorities concerned time and again so that they at least construct a culvert for water to pass until they [DSCC] finish the works. But they are not paying any heed," he said.

"Our extensive work to solve the city's drainage system and waterlogging problem is ongoing. We have started a Tk 103 crore work to solve the problems, and this year we have kept Tk 74 crore budget in this regard in DSCC's own fund," said Taposh.