Delay in water drainage due to heavy rain in short time: DSCC

FE Team | Published: July 13, 2024 22:45:17

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Md. Mizanur Rahman said due to heavy rainfall in a short time, there has been some delay in the receding of water from the areas under the jurisdiction, reports UNB.
He said the city's drainage systems have been clogged by large amounts of polyethylene and plastic waste due to the residents' lack of awareness, further slowing down the drainage process.
Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday afternoon at Buriganga Hall of the DSCC headquarters, CEO Md. Mizanur Rahman addressed the issue of waterlogging that occurred following Frirday's heavy rainfall.
He emphasised the extensive efforts made by the DSCC to alleviate the waterlogging situation in specific areas of the city.
Md. Mizanur Rahman said, "From 06:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday, 130 millimetres of rain fell intermittently, and rain continued until 01:30 pm, which is much higher than normal levels.
The drainage systems, designed with catch pits every 50 feet, couldn't effectively manage the water flow due to the accumulation of plastic and polythene waste.
Although we are continuously cleaning these catch pits, the waste keeps clogging them, causing delays in water drainage and resulting in waterlogging."
He also highlighted the increase in river water levels due to the rain has hindered the efficiency of the sluice gates, which are critical for water drainage.
"We received 55 sluice gates and regulators from the Water Development Board in 2021. Despite all sluice gates being operational, the elevated river water levels around Dhaka have prevented the sluice gates from functioning at full capacity, further delaying water drainage," he added.
Regarding the water pumping efforts, Md. Mizanur Rahman mentioned, "Through the water pump stations in Kamlapur and Dholaikhal, seven pump machines have been operating.
He said work is underway to reduce waterlogging in New Market and its surroundings, "The water drainage outlet in the New Market area was closed by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) for security reasons. After discussions, we received permission to establish a new drainage line through Pilkhana.
The tender process is in its final stages, and work will begin soon, which will resolve the waterlogging in the New Market area.
Additionally, the water from Green Road, Kalabagan, and the adjacent areas is being drained through Hatirjheel.