SYLHET, Dec 27: The authority concerned could not start the work on the flood control and crop protection schemes in Sunamganj and other districts of Sylhet division due to delay in water recession and formation of the Project Implementation Committees (PICs).
However, the Water Development Board (WDB) officials claimed most of the committees are already formed while some others would be done in two or three days. They also said since the preparation is almost complete there would be no trouble in starting field works as soon as possible.
In the pretext of last year's experience of corruption and large scale irregularities, the water resources ministry this year brought major changes in the project implementation process. As per decision taken at the highest level, the district level committees, headed by the deputy commissioners and upazila nirbahi officers would supervise the works on the crop protection schemes as things would be done on 'Money for works'.
Under the new arrangement, PIC formation was set to be completed by 30 November while starting works were to begin from December 15 for completing by 28 February. However, the deadlines couldn't be followed as yet for reasons while the officials claimed still it is possible to finish things in time.
Joysri union council chairman of Dharmapasha upazila Sanjoy Chowdhury said yet works couldn't be started as the water didn't recede from the project areas.
PICs in Derai, Shulla and Jogonnathpur upazilas are yet to be announced while the rests are already complete.
Superintending Engineer of WDB, Sylhet circle, ASM Shahidul Islam told this correspondent on Wednesday so far 1088 PICs were formed in the 11 upazilas of Sunamganj while the total number would be around 1200. The rests would be formed and announced in two to three days, he added, works on areas like Dakshin Sunamganj, Jogonnathpur, Dharmapasha, Jamalganj and Doara bazaar upazilas would be started this week.
Already Tk 580 million had sanctioned for the schemes while another Tk 600 million is on the process of approval from the ministry of Finance, the official informed further.
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