Broken roads and waterlogging: Sufferings in DNCC

Jayashree Bhaduri

The condition of roads in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Ward 46 is deplorable where the problem of broken roads and waterlogging is not limited to this ward alone; nearly six years ago, 18 other wards that were incorporated into the DNCC faced similar challenges.

Civic amenities are lacking, and the promised development is yet to reach ordinary citizens.

The roads are filled with potholes and ditches. Several years ago, attempts were made to drain and repair the roads, but the situation has not improved. In the area of Masterpara Mor, a stretch of one and a half kilometers is nearly impossible to traverse without wading through water. Roads are broken and uneven, making it difficult for rickshaws, vans, bicycles, and motorcycles to navigate. Even minor rainfall exacerbates the situation, leading to severe waterlogging.

The residents of the Muktar Market area complain that due to poor road conditions, it is nearly impossible to arrange an ambulance or any other form of transportation when someone falls sick. During the rainy season, the situation worsens, and school-going children struggle to attend classes.

The situation is dire in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Ward 39 as well, which includes the Saiyednagar area. The locals here suffer as water accumulates due to the absence of proper drainage systems.

Road construction and drainage development projects were approved and budgeted for in July 2020, with an expenditure of Tk 4250 crore. The project aimed to build and upgrade roads and drainage in 18 newly incorporated wards.

However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there were delays in funding and implementation. The project, initially set to be completed by December of the following year, faced delays due to the pandemic. It has been extended for another year, and now, with the funds secured, the work is progressing swiftly.

Md Selim Reza, Chief Executive Officer of DNCC has told Bangladesh Pratidin, the pandemic hindered progress, but now that the financial constraints are resolved, they aim to complete significant road construction works in various areas by December of this year. The proposed master plan includes extensive road and drainage development, ensuring improved civic amenities for all the residents in these areas.

“As the citizens continue to endure the hardship of broken roads and waterlogged streets, they hope that the ongoing development projects will bring a much-needed transformation to their living conditions and ease their daily struggles,” he added.

@The report was published in Bengali on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on July 31 and rewritten in English by Tanvir Raihan.