Mass irregularities have been reported by the locals at a canal excavation project in Gopalganj’s Kotalipara.
The almost Tk2 crore project is now allegedly being completed only for Tk20 lakh with the rest of the money being misappropriated. Moreover, the changes in design is also likely to kill the canal hampering the irrigation in the upazila.
According to the Gopalganj Water Development Board, the canal excavation project worth Tk1.94 crore will stretch from Kotalipara’s Hiron union to Sadar upazila’s Dottodanga. The 16.37 kilometre excavation work implemented by Ms Kamrul Enterprise will bring back water flow in six canals for better irrigation and transportation.
However, the project started facing criticism from the local people right after the work of Shonirbhor canal’s 6.95 km at Hiron union began. They alleged that the contracting company had been piling the dug up earth right on the bank of the canal.
“When the monsoon season begins, the earth will wash into the canal and fill it up again. So actually this will bear no fruit,” said farmer Krishno Mouli of Polshair village of the union.
“When we tried to object, they threatened and silenced us. If this continues then we will get no water for irrigation,” he added.
Nirmol Roy, president of Ganesh Pagol Shebashrom Club of Polshair village said: “According to the design, they are supposed to dig up earth from five feet deep. But they are going only 2/3 feet deep and thus trying to steal money. This will only cost them Tk20 lakh, not more than that.”
Another farmer Sujon Biswas was worried that such excavation was only an eyewash and would have no positive impact. “The canal will be of no use for irrigation and transportation if its not excavated deep enough. Also the dug up earth should be dumped somewhere else.”
Chairman of Hiron Union Munshi Ebadul Islam said: “The canal at Polshair part was supposed to be 30feet wide but it not even 15feet. The same is with the depth as well. There seems to be no one to look after the work. The contractor is working as he pleases.”
When contacted representative of Ms Kamrul Enterprise, Abu Sayeed, said the work had just begun. “We will complete the project as per the design with absolute transparency. No irregularities is happening.”
Gopalganj Water Development Board’s sub-division engineer Shafiqul Islam denied of any corruption in the project and said they were vigilant to oversee the progress.
Mashiur Rahman, executive engineer of the board, said: “I have visited the project and since it just begun, I cannot comment on the happenings. I have directed all concerned authorities to ensure that the project is implemented properly.”
