Kurigram embankment at risk

The restoration project of the Jatrapur flood control dam has been hindered due to corruption and irregularities. The people of the area have been living at the risk of being flooded as the dam could collapse at any moment.    A volunteer of the area Abul Hossain said they have managed to relocate 25 families from the embankment area in the last three days.   However, more than 250 families face serious threats as their homesteads can be washed away at any time.   Sources said the authorities of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) started working on the project without an estimated budget. On top of that, Sectional Officer Shahidul Islam, who had been assigned to supervise the project, never visited the spot. As a result, the workers did not carry out their work properly.   They were assigned to place sacks of sand to protect the embankment, so far they have put less than half of the amount they were supposed to, alleged the locals.    Representatives of contactors Abdul Khaleq and worker Samad Ali denying the allegations said over a 100 contractors were doing the work of piling and that they have enough sand bags to be used for dumping.   In this regard, Shahidul said, “I do not have any idea of the estimated cost of the project and I do not have time to visit the spot from Lalmonirhat to monitor the work.”   Sub-Divisional Engineer of BWDB Mizanur Rahman said the problem has risen due to lack of labor. No estimate cost has been decided as of yet. They have started the work after getting orders from higher authorities.   Executive Engineer of BWDB Enayet Ullah said the situation has risen due to inadequate budget. They would inform the matter to the authorities concern, he added.