Even before the rainy season, a number of areas in Sylhet and Sunamganj have gone under water during recent flooding. This has left thousands marooned and displaced. As the houses built on lowland areas got flooded with contaminated water, people living there have been suffering from many water-borne diseases. Even the city life comes to a standstill whenever there is a downpour. Due to the poor drainage systems, the major streets of Dhaka city get submerged in knee-to-waist-deep water, making it difficult for the people to move. The heavy rainfall also leads to chaotic traffic which disrupts all kinds of activities within the capital. The situation has aggravated this time due to multiple ongoing road repair activities. As a result, the rickshaw drivers are demanding exorbitant fares.
Better sewerage systems would have helped to reduce the water-logging, thereby alleviating the pain of several hours' commuting. The city dwellers have, time and again, demanded that the drainage system should be modernised, but to no avail. The authorities need to take the matter seriously to help lessen the sufferings of the people.
Badsha Faysal,
Jurain, Dhaka,
badshafaysal1998@gmail.com