CCC eyes Tk3, 871cr canal restoration, maintenance projects

The Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) is planning to undertake two separate projects for canal restoration and maintenance to provide a long-term solution to the city’s persistent waterlogging problem. The estimated cost of the two projects is Tk 3,871 crore.

CCC has appointed a consulting firm, Our Pulse, to prepare the Development Project Proposals (DPPs) for the projects. At present, a mega project involving 36 canals is being implemented to address waterlogging in the city. Once completed, the canals under the project will be handed over to CCC for regular maintenance.

However, CCC currently lacks both the equipment and financial capacity required for maintaining the canals. As a result, one project is being proposed specifically for the maintenance of the 36 canals under the ongoing mega project. A second project will focus on the restoration and rehabilitation of 21 canals that fall outside the scope of the mega project.

According to sources, the estimated cost of the canal maintenance project is Tk 322 crore, while the restoration project for the 21 canals is expected to cost Tk 3,549 crore. Representatives of Our Pulse presented various aspects of the proposed projects to City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain on Thursday.

Speaking on the matter, Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain said the presentation required further additions.
“There are not only 21 canals outside the 36 canals included in the mega project; there are many more. The total number may be between 40 and 50. A few days ago, I found a dead canal in Chandgaon where numerous structures had been built.

There are many similar canals across the city. These should also be included in the restoration project. In that case, the project cost may increase,” he said.

Regarding the canal maintenance project, the mayor noted that the Bangladesh Army is currently carrying out work on the canals under the mega project.

“After the project is completed, the canals will be handed over to the City Corporation. We will then have to carry out annual dredging and maintenance work. This will require both funding and equipment.

The issue of equipment was not included in the report prepared by Our Pulse, and I have asked them to incorporate it. We also want to develop the canals as tourist attractions. The Finance Adviser has expressed similar expectations. These aspects should be reflected in the maintenance project as well,” he added.