CCC Faces Allegations of Multi-Crore Billing Fraud Without Canal Excavation

Despite a multi-crore project underway to tackle waterlogging in Chittagong city, the Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) and associated contractors are accused of claiming payments without actually digging canals or removing waste. Field visits in several parts of the city revealed that while canal excavation work appears complete on paper, most canals show no visible signs of cleaning or dredging. Yet, bills worth crores of taka have reportedly been paid. As a result, large areas of the city remain at risk of severe flooding during the monsoon, affecting around 7 million residents.

Chittagong has 57 canals in total, with 36 earmarked for renovation under major waterlogging projects. The remaining 21 canals were allocated Tk 10 crore for cleaning. However, it is alleged that these funds were largely billed without substantial work being done.

Despite the heavy spending, visible improvements in water drainage are minimal. Every year, parts of the city flood during the monsoon, and deaths from falling into canals and drains are not uncommon. Residents argue that poor planning and inadequate surveys are to blame for the recurring problems.

Several contractors have been assigned canal excavation and waste removal work by CCC. Raisa Construction was tasked with Shayerpara, Chharar, and Nazir canals, receiving Tk 1.1267 crore. Shiropa Traders handled Rasulbagh Canal, Gulzar Khan Canal, and the Borapol area, for which about Tk 3.66 crore was allocated. On-site observations show these canals remain clogged with polythene, dirt, and silt, with no major excavation work evident.

Residents claim the canals have not been properly cleaned for 20–22 years. Mohiuddin, a local resident, said only a small portion of work was done, yet the project was marked complete on paper. Attempts to contact Raisa Construction’s representative, Bachchu, were unsuccessful.

In Baklia, the Rasulbagh, Gulzar Khan, and Borapol canals also remain blocked. Shahnaz Begum said water floods homes every monsoon despite annual promises of cleaning, alleging money is withdrawn without actual work. Local Shahidul Islam echoed these concerns, urging an investigation.

Mujib, a contractor from Shiropa Traders, denied wrongdoing, claiming all work was completed, documented, and verified before billing. He stated allegations were meant to defame him and explained that canals need annual cleaning as silt and waste accumulate repeatedly.

CCC is responsible for 23 canals citywide. Allegedly, bills exceeding Tk 10 crore have been raised without proper excavation. Due to lack of maintenance, canals are filled with waste, causing flooding during the monsoon. Repeated efforts to reach CCC’s Chief Cleaning Officer failed.

On January 31, 2025, Adilur Rahman Khan, Advisor to the Ministries of Industries and Housing and Public Works, inspected canal cleaning in Sholashahar. He noted prior years’ irregularities and confirmed Tk 10 crore had been allocated to clean the remaining 21 canals. He emphasized restoring natural water flow to reduce future flooding.

Chittagong City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain acknowledged past coordination issues among the City Corporation, Chittagong Development Authority, and Water Development Board. He expressed hope that current collaborative efforts would improve the situation.

Despite ongoing projects, many canals in 2026 remain blocked with silt and waste. Four major waterlogging projects are underway, jointly managed by CCC, Chittagong Development Authority, and the Water Development Board, costing around Tk 14,351 crore over 5–11 years. Despite this, flooding persists, and at least 14 people have died falling into canals in the last decade. Investigations ordered by the Cabinet Division and High Court have not led to accountability.

Residents question where the crores of taka in bills went if canals remain uncleared. Experts stress the urgent need for an impartial investigation to verify these allegations and ensure projects genuinely benefit the public.