YPSA organized a virtual dialogue on waterlogging titled “ Waterlogging in Port City: identifying obstacles and finding way of sollutions” on 30th May, 2021, in presence of local government, urban experts and urban leaders. Waterlogging is the name of the deadliest suffering for Chattogram citizen; this finding came out direct from the people during Urban Risk Assessment conduction as part of YPSA Proyash II project work with the support of Save the Children.
Mr. Rezaul Karim, Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation attends the meeting as chief guest. The event was facilitated by Professor Dr. Akter Mahmud, Secretary of Bangladesh Institute of Planners. Md. Arifur Rahman, Chief Executive of YPSA, Ashekur Rahman, Assistant Resident Representative of UNDP, Nazmun Nahar Nur, Deputy Director, Risk reduction and Climate Change, Save the Children, Shahinul Islam Khan, Chief Urban Planner of CDA, Aliur Rahman, General Secretary of Chattpogram Nodi o Khal Rokkha Andolon, Shahjalal Mishuk, Assistant Professor of CUET, Safina Naznin, Wash Officer, UNICEF, Md. Ariful Islam, Superintending Engineer (P&C)WASA and Project Director (Sewerage Project), Akhil Kumar Biswas, Chief Engineer, PWB, CTG, and Md. Abdul Kaiyum, Ex Additional Secretary and National Project Director were present in the event.
In addition, Councilor of Ward-7,8, 4 and 6 were also present as area representatives.
Md. Arifur Rahman, Chief Executive of YPSA said “Water logging is the pressing issue of Chattogram urban area. Although there were several plans in previous times, those were not effective, now is the time for more citizen engagement and awareness to reduce this sufferings”.
Ashekur Rahman, Assistant Resident Representative of UNDP also emphasized on people engagement besides infrastructure planning for waterlogging reduction in Chattogram City. During the discussion, participants discussed the financial and health loses due to waterlogging and obstacles for the implementation of mega project for waterlogging. Everyone highlights and agrees on the importance of coordination among stakeholders and responsible authorities for successful implementation of waterlogging project.
Mr. Rezaul Karim, Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation said, “no one can denies the importance of saving our canels and rivers to free our Chattogram city from the curse of Waterlogging, if necessary we should strict with law and take steps to free our canals form illegal owners. I also think we need assistance and cooperation from private sector more and more like today’s event. I convey my special gratitude to the organizers, YPSA and Dainik Purbokone, and Save the Children as supporter of such timely initiative.”
At last Professor Dr. Akter Mahmud, Secretary of Bangladesh Institute of Planners briefed the whole event and convey the expectation of increasing coordination mechanism among responsible authorities to free Chattogram City from 27 years long curse of waterlogging.