Satkhira shelter project homes at risk before handover

In Ashashuni Upazila of Satkhira, 18 homes built under a shelter project are now at risk of collapse even before they have been officially handed over.

This has raised concerns among locals about the safety and durability of the project.

The situation has arisen after the embankment beside the homes, constructed in the Mohishkura area of Shriula Union, began to erode.

A field visit revealed that the homes, built in neat rows, are flanked on both sides by fish ponds. Large cracks have appeared in the soil in front of and behind the houses due to erosion.

Some sections of the palisading installed to protect the embankment have tilted, causing fear among residents as the erosion gradually approaches the homes.

According to the Ashashuni Upazila Project Implementation Officer’s office, a total of 18 homes were constructed on 55 decimals of land for landless and homeless families.

Each home cost approximately Tk 2,59,500 to build, bringing the total project cost to Tk 46,71,000. However, despite nearly a year passing since the scheduled handover, the homes have yet to be officially transferred to the beneficiaries.

Sheikh Habibur Rahman, a resident of Shriula, said, “It is extremely disappointing that the embankment is collapsing even before a nearly half-crore taka project has been inaugurated.

During implementation, the soil type and the impact of the surrounding fish ponds should have been properly considered.

Leaving the homes unused for so long and the lack of sufficient monitoring has contributed to this situation.

We demand a thorough investigation, accountability of those responsible, and immediate measures to make the homes safe before handing them over to the landless families.”

Md. Amirul Islam, Ashashuni Upazila Project Implementation Officer, said, “There are fish ponds on both sides of the Mohishkura shelter project. The palisading remained stable because the ponds retained water.

However, when the pond owners drained the water, the palisading collapsed. We have inspected the site and informed higher authorities. Repairs will be undertaken once the pond owners refill the water.”

Meanwhile, locals fear that during the monsoon season, increased water pressure could worsen the erosion. They have urged the authorities to take immediate and sustainable measures to protect the shelter project homes.