Citizen Awareness Vital to Resolve Waterlogging: CCC Mayor

Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain has stressed that public cooperation is essential to the success of the city’s month-long drain and sewer cleaning drive.

Inspecting drainage clearing operations in East Madarbari (Ward 30), West Madarbari (Ward 26), and Pathantuli (Ward 28) on Sunday, the Mayor noted that municipal efforts alone cannot guarantee a clean city. "Residents must take responsibility for their waste," he stated.

"If plastic and polythene are dumped into drains immediately after they are cleaned, a permanent solution to waterlogging will remain elusive," Dr. Shahadat warned. He urged citizens to acknowledge the hard work of cleaning staff by disposing of trash responsibly.

Addressing the temporary flooding in the Agrabad Commercial Area, the Mayor explained that a dam erected by the Water Development Board for sluice gate construction in Guljarkhal is causing the current bottleneck. He expressed regret for the residents' suffering and confirmed that the 34th Engineering Brigade of the Bangladesh Army and the Water Development Board have been directed to fast-track the project.

"Once these sluice gates are operational, we can effectively control tidal surges and significantly reduce waterlogging in these zones," he said.

The Mayor also highlighted ongoing renovations of the Hijra and Jamalkhan canals, noting that strict deadlines have been set for their completion. Reflecting on past progress, he claimed a 50-60% improvement in waterlogging issues last year and predicted further relief once current projects conclude.

Concluding his visit, Dr. Shahadat called for a "mass movement" of cleanliness. He urged local leaders and residents to maintain their surroundings and cooperate with the CCC in installing dustbins. "Building a clean city is a shared social responsibility," he added.