The country has been making great progress in a plethora of fields. However, a recurring citywide issue in our capital that we have failed to resolve is that of water-logging. With each passing year, we hear of plans being made to mitigate water-logging, but are yet to see them effectively implemented.
With monsoon season upon us, city dwellers are yet again faced with not only the flooding of the streets, but also the resulting problems that come with it. Heavy rainfall has been known to cause an increase in traffic jams in numerous areas, hindering commute for residents.
How are we to work on our ambitious goals for the country if such a basic problem continues to be a hindrance?
The fact that a dilemma of this magnitude is only considered when it arises is testament to the carelessness and gross mismanagement by the city corporations in itself. This is not an issue that can be solved immediately; it requires proper planning for a long-term solution.
Actions for drainage, box culvert, and canal cleaning are being taken in some of the many areas heavily impacted by water-logging. However, progress is slow, and at this rate we are unlikely to see any major improvements this year as well.
The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor, Atiqul Islam, announced on Friday that the water-logging issue will be dealt with effectively, no matter the cost -- going as far as to say that he would take the matter to court. To that end, a quick response team has been formed to alleviate the problem.
While it is encouraging to see the matter being given the kind of immediate and active response that it should have received a long time ago, it does not count for much until it is implemented.
We have heard all this before. It is time we see the plans put into action.
