Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Annisul Huq said poor drainage and sewerage system contribute to the problem of waterlogging in the capital.
In an interview with daily sun on Friday, the city father said, “Dhaka city has no good natural drainage. There are some artificial drainpipes but they too are congested.”
He said blocked drainpipes have not been cleared yet. Even, high-tech heavy machinery sometimes proves ineffective in clearing congestion of drainpipes.
“First, we will have to clear all the drainpipes, and ensure their smooth passage through the city. We need a workable plan for smooth passage of rainwater through storm line,” mentioned Annisul, also a noted businessman.
Storm drains are not adequately linked to other local drainpipes. It must be maintained by a singular authority as the storm drainage system is necessary to address water-logging in the city, he said.
Mayor Annisul also observed that clogged water bodies are also responsible for waterlogging. “Even, the ecosystem is losing its biodiversity for environmental pollution.”
“To rid the city of waterlogging, we must recover canals, water reservoirs, lakes and drains which are either filled up or clogged,” he added.
“Also, construction materials like sand, chips and mortar often enter drainpipes during rainfall. For this, even a few hours’ rainwater can’t escape into faulty drains and create waterlogging.”
The mayor also said a holistic effort is on to begin the essential works on the repair of faulty drains. It will take time to resolve the problem of waterlogging, he said. “The situation may improve after two to three months later.”
A few days ago, intermittent but heavy showers deluged the metropolis and wrought havoc on the human life, especially those of the commuters.
Against this backdrop, city planners and experts blamed lack of coordination among the authorities concerned, including RAJUK and two city corporations, for this catastrophic situation in the capital.
They said a day’s heavy rain sends low-lying parts of the city under water for poor drainage system, inflicting untold sufferings on public life.
City residents have aired their grievances and said city authorities seem to be more focussed on doing business than providing utility services to residents and resolving waterlogging.
