Most city drains clogged in M’singh

Waterlogging has become a seemingly never-ending problem for the residents of Mymensingh due to poor waste management.

Locals  alleged that the city goes under  filthy water even after a little rain due to the poor drainage system, causing untold sufferings.

The stench from stagnant water and sewage  has made living unbearable, as many city dwellers including children are forced to wade through the submerged road for lack of rickshaws and other modes of transportation.

Sewage contaminates the stagnant water because of the poor drainage system, resulting in greater health risk for the residents, according to experts.

Besides, stagnant sewage water has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, raising alarm for a dengue outbreak.

During a recent visit to Makarjani canal on Mymensingh city's Ram Babu road, this correspondent saw that the drains were not cleaned, leading to waterlogging in adjacent areas.

Not just this sewage line, many other city drains were found in a similar condition.

"We thought the status quo would change after the government recognised Mymensingh as the country's 12th city corporation in 2018. But we're disappointed as the city drains still remain dirty, creating waterlogging," said Nurul Amin Kalam, secretary of Mymensingh Nagorik Andolon.

"The city drains and canals must be cleaned up on a regular basis," he added.

City corporation sources told this correspondent that the workforce crisis is the main reason behind this situation.

They also blamed residents for filling up waterbodies.

Contacted, MCC Executive Engineer Md Rafiqul Islam said, "Cleaning drives are going on, and they would be geared up in coming days to ease waterlogging."