No clear plan to sustain gains despite mega projects nearing completion

Four mega projects undertaken to tackle the long-standing waterlogging crisis in Chattogram city near completion, and yet uncertainty looms over the sustainability of their benefits because of inadequate preparation.

Recommendations previously made to retain the improvement through skilled workforce, necessary equipment and fund still remain unimplemented, said sources concerned.

Experts warn that without a dedicated authority, trained personnel and a clear operational manual, the full benefits of these projects, involving around Tk14,400 crore, may not be realised.

In January last year, the interim government formed a supervisory committee, headed by Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr Md Ziauddin, to accelerate project implementation.

In a report submitted to the then chief adviser on 5 November, the committee noted that approximately 88% of the work across the four projects had been completed. It projected that waterlogging would affect fewer areas this year and be fully resolved by 2027.

According to the progress report, Chattogram experienced waterlogging at 113 locations between 2017 and 2023, with water typically taking 8-9 hours to recede.

The situation improved in 2024, when waterlogging was recorded at 62 locations, with drainage taking 5-6 hours.

In 2025, conditions improved further: only 29 locations were affected during heavy rainfall, and water receded within 2-4 hours.

The committee projected that this year waterlogging may occur at around 10 locations, with water draining within 1-2 hours.

It identified eight major causes of waterlogging and four challenges hindering smooth implementation of the projects, and also proposed five recommendations to ensure long-term sustainability.

These include re-excavation, expansion and regular maintenance of 21 canals not covered by the current projects; preparing relevant agencies for operation and management of 36 renovated canals, regulators and pump houses; and strengthening the capacity of Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) for waste removal.

However, key recommendations remain unimplemented, raising concerns about the long-term viability of the projects.

Committee head Dr Ziauddin said on Sunday that the proposals had already been submitted to higher authorities.

“We held a meeting of the committee on 8 April and are continuing our activities. The new government will consider the recommendations,” he said.

He warned that complications could arise once the projects are completed and handed over, due to the lack of implementation of these measures.

“There are complexities involving around Tk800 crore in land acquisition by the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA). As the organisation lacks the funds, we have drawn the government’s attention to the matter,” he added.

Contacted for comment, CCC Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain told the Daily Sun that the corporation is preparing to begin routine cleaning of drains and canals.

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No clear plan to sustain gains despite mega projects nearing completion

“We have sought Tk45 crore from the ministry for this purpose and hope to receive the funds soon,” he said.

Regarding the handover of the 36 canals being re-excavated under a mega project, he said substantial resources would be required.

“Maintaining these canals, along with the existing 21, will require a large skilled workforce, equipment and funding. We estimate Tk800 crore to Tk1,000 crore will be needed. We have already sought support but have yet to receive it,” he said.

The mayor added that the CCC is preparing a Development Project Proposal for the 21 canals not included in the current projects, which may require Tk6,000 crore to Tk7,000 crore.

Engineer Delwar Majumder, former president of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) Chattogram centre, said the projects had been flawed from the outset.

“With these projects, maintenance has shifted from a manual to a mechanical system, which requires skilled manpower and modern equipment to operate sluice gates, pump houses and canal excavation,” he said.

“The CCC lacks the workforce, equipment, capacity and funds to maintain such an extensive system. Without immediate measures, the benefits of the projects could be lost within a single rainy season,” said Delwar, who is also president of the Sacheton Nagorik Committee’s Chattogram city unit.

He also stressed the need for a dedicated authority, trained personnel and a comprehensive operational manual.

Overview of four ongoing projects

The CDA, CCC and Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) are implementing four mega projects, with a combined cost of around Tk14,400 crore, aimed at addressing waterlogging and protecting the city from tidal surges.

The CDA is implementing two of these projects, including the largest – titled “Canal re-excavation, expansion, renovation and development for addressing waterlogging in Chattogram city” – involving approximately Tk8,626 crore. 

Approved in 2017, it has reached 96% completion, with work finished on 30 of the 36 canals. The remaining six are expected to be completed and handed over to the CCC by 30 April. The project deadline expires in June.

The CDA’s second project, “Construction of 8.55 km road on the bank of the Karnaphuli River from Kalurghat Bridge to Chaktai Khal”, also began in 2017, with a budget of Tk2,779 crore. It has reached 86% completion, and its June deadline may be extended.

The CCC is implementing a Tk1,362 crore project to excavate a new canal from Baroipara to the Karnaphuli River, which has achieved 95% progress since its approval in 2014.

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Meanwhile, the BWDB, with support from the Bangladesh Army, is implementing the remaining project – “Controlling Flood, Addressing Waterlogging and Development of Drainage System in Chattogram City” – involving around Tk1,620 crore. 

Approved in 2019, it has reached 94.5% completion.