Fund shortage slows embankment work, threatening Boro crops

SUNAMGANJ, Feb 07 (UNB): A shortage of funds has slowed embankment construction across Jagannathpur upazila in Sunamganj, raising fears among farmers that unfinished flood defences could expose early Boro crops to flash floods in the coming weeks.
The government allocated Tk 6.13 crore for embankment construction across 12 haor and non-haor areas, including the expansive Noluar Haor. The work is being implemented through 37 Project Implementation Committees (PICs).
The embankments are intended to protect early Boro cultivation, a vital source of livelihood for farming communities in the region.
However, progress has stalled in many areas, largely due to financial constraints.
Officials and PIC members estimate that 60 to 70 per cent of work has been completed in most projects. While earth-cutting has nearly finished in some locations, progress elsewhere remains uneven and, in some cases, unsatisfactory.
PIC members allege that much of the work was carried out after receiving only the first instalment of funds, leaving them struggling to continue construction. They said they had taken loans-often at high interest rates-to keep work going, pushing many into debt.
"We are trying our best to continue the work, but the lack of funds has created a serious financial crisis," said a PIC representative, adding that repayment of loans depends on the release of the second instalment, which has yet to be disbursed.
During a field visit on Thursday, earth-cutting under Project No. 1 in the Kandargaon-Noagaon area of Noluar Haor under Kolkolia Union was found to be nearly complete. However, no work had been carried out in the inner section of Noagaon village, and parts of the embankment near the riverbank were uneven and sloped, making movement difficult. Project president Mostafizur Rahman Muhit and member secretary Miton Mia said about 70 percent of the work had been completed but described the current situation as distressing due to the funding shortage.
"We are continuing the work by borrowing money from different sources because the second instalment has not been released," Muhit said.
They said the road section inside Noagaon village was not included in the original project but that they intended to carry out additional work there in the public interest.
"If the authorities approve bills for the extra work, we will accept them. Otherwise, we will complete it on our own initiative," Miton Mia said.