Coastal protection embankment not repaired even after a decade, locals in distress

Koira (Khulna) Correspondent: Farhad Hossain

In Koira, Khulna, the Paobo road has become unusable due to long-term non-renovation. People are facing extreme hardship every day due to potholes and dilapidated roads.

It is known that the river protection embankment (rural road) of Koira village no. 5 of Sadar Union of the upazila has not been repaired for many years. The river protection embankment built in the 1990s was damaged by the cyclone in 2009. Due to river erosion, the embankment broke and flooded a vast area. Later, after a long time, the embankment was able to be blocked with the help of locals. A few days later, the Water Development Board (PAOBO) repaired the road. In 2013, PAOBO took the initiative to install CC blocks in the 5,000-meter erosion area to prevent river erosion. But due to the long rain and tidal waves, the soil has moved away from the inner side of the dam and created a ditch. A ravine has been created through its two places and the river water enters the inside during the tide. Meanwhile, more than a decade has passed since the installation of the CC block, but gradually the tempering of the block has deteriorated and it has become unfit for human movement. Even after more than a decade, the authorities have not taken the initiative to repair it.

Today, Saturday (July 4), it was seen on the spot that about 800 meters of the embankment towards the sluice gate, which is located on the southern side of Launch Ghat No. 4, have not been repaired for more than a decade, which is a tragedy. There is no soil on the inner part of the dam, and the tempering of the CC block has deteriorated, causing potholes and increasing accidents in traffic.

According to local residents, Rafiqul, since this road is under the jurisdiction of the Water Development Board, the Union Parishad does not want to work here either. If the road is cleaned, young children and patients of schools and colleges will be able to travel easily.

Another resident, Shah-Almos, said that due to the long-term use, the cover of the CC block has been lifted and created potholes. Accidents in traffic are constantly increasing. Especially if the road from Golam Sardar's house to the sluice gate is not cleaned with soil, the entire area may be flooded during the monsoon season.

Several locals said that this road is not only a means of communication; since it is on the river protection embankment, it is also very important for safe shelter and emergency transportation during disasters. But due to the lack of repairs for a long time, it has now become a cause of public suffering.

Local UP member Nazmuchayadat said that since it is a dam of the Water Development Board, the Union Parishad does not do repairs. If the road is not renovated and necessary repairs are not taken quickly, major accidents may occur in the future. At the same time, he called for emphasis on proper maintenance to ensure the durability of the river protection embankment.

Pawbo Sub-Divisional Engineer Md. Sultan Mahmud said, I have come to know about the matter through you. In the next budget, a proposal will be sent to clean the road with CC block installed on the south side of Koyra Launch Ghat No. 4 towards the sluice gate and necessary measures will be taken.

Attached photo: About 800 meters of embankment towards the sluice gate due to CC block on the south side of Koyra Launch Ghat No. 4 in Khulna Upazila has not been cleaned for more than a decade, a pity.