Residents of Sreepur upazila in Gazipur have taken an inspiring initiative to solve a long-standing waterlogging problem by constructing a drainage system using their own funds, without waiting for government assistance.
A 1,000-foot-long drain is currently being built from Hanu Market in the Nayanpur area to the house of Asaduzzaman, extending towards Deco Garments. The project, funded and managed by local residents, has drawn appreciation for addressing a public problem through collective community action.
For nearly two decades, people living and working in the area have suffered from severe waterlogging on the Maona-Dhanua regional road, especially during the rainy season. The stagnant water has caused major difficulties for students, garment workers, commuters, drivers, and local business owners. Regular movement became challenging as roads remained submerged for months, creating health risks and disrupting economic activities.
Frustrated by years of waiting for a permanent solution, around 40 families from the area joined together to construct the drain with their own money. Residents involved in coordinating the project said their main goal is to establish an effective drainage system and permanently reduce the suffering caused by water accumulation.
They believe the new drain will help decrease mosquito breeding, unpleasant odours, and the spread of waterborne diseases. They also hope the initiative will encourage other communities to work together to solve local problems instead of depending only on government support.
Businessman Rafiqul Mia said the waterlogging had created serious problems for everyone who used the road.
“Students of nearby schools and colleges, garment workers, passengers, drivers, and local residents all suffered because of the stagnant water. During the rainy season, travelling through the area became extremely difficult. The new drain will help remove the water quickly and make the road more convenient for everyone,” he said.
Auto-rickshaw driver Foyez Uddin said rapid industrial growth in the area had reduced natural drainage channels, causing rainwater to remain trapped on the road.
“Due to the absence of a proper drainage system, people had to walk through dirty water and vehicles faced difficulties moving for years. As road improvement work is currently underway, residents decided that this was the right time to construct the drain,” he said.
He added that the community took the initiative because people could no longer tolerate the recurring problem and wanted a practical solution.
Students Rakibul Islam, Sujon, Morzina, and Alpana Akter said the road remained underwater for four to five months every year.
“During the rainy season, crossing the area became almost impossible. Rickshaws and bicycles often could not pass through the water. Many students had to return home after falling into muddy water and getting their clothes dirty,” they said.
Fruit trader Abdul Razzaq described the initiative as a positive example of cooperation among local people.
“Residents have come forward to solve a public problem using their own resources. This shows how collective efforts can create meaningful change,” he said.
Grocery shop owner Ismail Hossain said the temporary inconvenience caused by the construction work was acceptable because the project would provide long-term benefits.
“We have suffered from waterlogging for many years. Once the drain is completed, residents and businesses will benefit greatly,” he said.
Local BNP leader and Maona Union Parishad chairman candidate Ariful Islam Sarker praised the residents’ efforts, saying ongoing road development work provided a suitable opportunity to build the drainage system.
Sreepur Upazila Engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), Touhid Ahmed, said proper drainage was essential to address long-term waterlogging problems.
“However, if the relevant authorities had been informed before starting the work, the process could have been more organised. Residents have been advised to submit an application, and the matter will be reviewed according to official procedures,” he said.