Work to implement Chattogram Waterlogging Removal Project (CWRP), which remained hamstrung for one year due to multifarious problems, including coronavirus outbreak, is going on in full gear now.
An official on Thursday said though time of the project, which was launched in 2018, got an extension by two years in 2020, the authority will need two more years to complete it as 60 per cent work of the project has been completed so far.
Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) is implementing the Tk 60 billion (Tk 6,000 crore) project in association with Bangladesh Army.
He said a letter is likely to be sent to the concerned department of the government soon seeking further extension of implementation time which was set in 2020.
If the plea to extend the deadline by another two years is granted by the concerned authority, the cost of the project will certainly soar, probably it will go up to the vicinity of Tk 1,200 crore or 120 billion, he added.
The project, which was originally scheduled to be completed in 2020, missed its deadline in mid-2020, he mentioned.
Contacted, the chairman of the CDA told the FE on Thursday that 60 per cent work of the project has been completed till January this year.
However, Project Director Mr Shah Ali said, various problems, including acquisition of land on both sides of several canals in the port city are creating obstacles in speedy implementation of the project.
The authority is also facing problems to get rid of all illegal occupiers from both banks of the 22 canals selected for retrieving and re-excavating to implement the project, a source with full knowledge of the matter said.
It said acquiring suitable land to construct sluice-gates and permanent drainage system for flushing out clogged water or stagnant rain water from the city during rainy season is a major problem.
Several structures, including walls, i.e. a wall constructed by Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) in front of a sluice-gate made to flush out rain water carried by 11 of the 22 canals is creating a serious obstacle to fully complete the project, it added.
Meanwhile, the CDA has undertaken fresh move to acquire lands on the banks of 14 out of the 22 canals for the project. The construction agency asked the CDA to acquire the lands on the both banks of those canals which were selected for retrieval, re-excavating and expansion (widening through both banks) in order to smoothly remove stagnant water from the city.
A CDA official said a letter has been sent to the Deputy Commissioner's Office to take necessary steps to recover or acquire more than 13 acres of land from the banks of the 14 canals.
Sources said the CDA has estimated the cost of doing this job at Tk 1,700 crore. Earlier, the project implementation authority had selected 22 canals out of a total of 36 which are flowing through the city now or once flew.
The CDA had originally put the cost to recover, re-excavate and expand (in width) 22 canals at Tk 3,000 crore. But later it decided to complete these work for 14 canals in the first phase.
The 14 canals in the first phase include Hijra Khal, Feeringhi Bazar Khal, Tekpara Khal, Kalabagicha Khal, Mariambibi Khal, Sheetaljharna Khal, Tripura Khal, Rampura Khal, Nasirkhal, Chaktai Khal, Birjakhal, Rajakhali 1 and Rajakhali 2 canals.
Engineering Core of Bangladesh Army started the work of the mega project on April 24, 2018. CDA with cooperation from Bangladesh Army has evicted a total of 1,586 unauthorised establishments from 21 canals so far.
It is alleged that the CPA has constructed walls in front of sluice-gates of 11 canals to construct its Bay Terminal project.
As a result, the flow of water through the sluice-gates got blocked due to these walls which also posing a risk to the adjacent Ring Road.
However, when contacted, CPA officials opined that the walls will not hamper flow of water of canals.
Chief Engineer of CDA Kazi Hasan Bin Shams said, "We have sent a letter to the CPA to stop construction of walls in front of sluice-gates of the canals."
Project Director Shah Ali reiterated that these are creating risks to timely implementation of the project. However, acquisition of land on both sides of several canals also hampering the speedy implementation, he added.
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