SYLHET, Feb 13: The progress on most of the crop protection structures in Sunamganj district is not at all satisfactory as yet, sources informed recently. It happened due to negligence of the officials of Project Implementation Committees (PIC)s as well as of some of the WDB men, alleged a number of locals.
As per WDB rules, the formation of PIC for the schemes were to be completed by November 30 for starting works by December 15. Accordingly works are set to be completed by February 28.
But these could not be followed for different reasons, WDB officials admitted. They, however, claimed that they were trying to complete the works in time.
The authority sanctioned Tk 963.9 million for executing a total of 566 schemes. But twenty five per cent of them could not even start their works while many of them set billboard on project sites mentioning details including starting date, cost etc as per government instruction.
However, WDB officials today said over 50 per cent progress had been achieved while many farmers alleged it as below 40 per cent. Farmer Azman Ali of Sharifpur in Shulla upazila alleged works on a local scheme began just four days ago although it was to start two months back.
Vice-president of citizens forum 'Haor Banchao, Sunamganj banchao' freedom fighter Abu Sufian said the progress is below 40 per cent. About 25 per cent of the PICs in the remote areas of Tahirpur, Derai, Shulla and Derai did not even start their works, he alleged referring to field reports. The common farmers are worried at the overall situation, he added demanding steps for any irregularity.
Out of the 154 haors in the low-lying and frontier district, the WDB took measures for constructing crop protection embankments on 37.
Contacted the WDB's Executive Engineer, Sunamganj Abu Baker Siddique told this correspondent the progress is more than 50 per cent and that hopefully things would be completed by the deadline. He said steps would be taken for errant ones.
Addressing a views- exchange meeting at Dakshin Sunamganj upazila on Monday afternoon the Deputy Commissioner of Sunamganj Md. Abdul Ahad said there had been a progress of about 35 to 40 per cent.
He also asked for all out cooperation from all concerned to complete the works by the deadline while warning for any irregularity in the crop protection works.
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