Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday outlined a series of measures being taken by the government to address chronic waterlogging in Chattogram and improve the city’s overall infrastructure.
Baroi Para Canal Excavation Project was completed in full as part of efforts to tackle waterlogging in the port city, he said replying to a starred question from Chattogram-13 MP Sarwar Jamal Nizam during the Prime Minister’s question-answer session in Parliament.
He said cleaning and waste-removal work is underway in 25 canals and around 1,600 kilometres of service drains under Chattogram City Corporation.
“The removal of accumulated soil and waste from the drains is also underway. These activities will be completed before the next monsoon,” the Prime Minister said.
He also said waste and soil are also being removed from 32 other canals in different parts of the city.
Tarique said the government is also taking steps to ensure regular maintenance of the canals covered by the ongoing waterlogging mitigation project being implemented by Chattogram Development Authority (CDA).
A Development Project Proposal (DPP) is being prepared for the maintenance of 36 canals included in the project, he said.
“Besides, activities are underway to prepare a DPP for excavation and maintenance of another 21 canals outside the project,” the Prime Minister said.
Infrastructure development
Highlighting broader development initiatives in Chattogram City Corporation areas, Tarique said several infrastructure projects are being implemented including improvement of the Airport Road and other important roads.
He said 48 kilometres of roads, two culverts and six foot overbridges have already been constructed under projects aimed at improving roads and other important infrastructure in the city.
The government has also taken steps to improve recreational facilities, with the development of two playgrounds already completed and work on another six playgrounds currently underway, the Prime Minister said.
He said the government is attaching importance to coordinated development of Chattogram, particularly measures to improve drainage, ensure better water flow and upgrade urban infrastructure.
The parliamentary session began at 3:30pm with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in the chair. The first half-hour of the session was allocated for the Prime Minister’s question-answer session.