An evaluation of the first phase of the project by a four-member team led by the chief of the Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Department (IMED) of the Planning Division revealed some flaws in the work. It particularly mentioned the construction of some unnecessary landing stations. The report recommended building of landing stations with approach roads so that people could easily reach them. It also pointed out the presence of a low bridge over the Turag at Ashulia point as a hindrance to the completion of the circular waterway channel.

Thus it is a question of correcting the irregularities and pitfalls detected in the first phase of the work rather than abandoning the whole project halfway through. After all, Tk 36 crore has been spent in the first phase. Now rectification is one part of the job but its other part relates to establishing accountability of the persons who were involved in committing the irregularities in the first place.

The second part of the project envisaging a waterway from Ashulia to Demra at an estimated cost of Tk 103 crore needs to be completed in order to reap the benefits of the first phase.

We don't know where the hitch is. The Japanese government is funding the project, but if land acquisition is any problem the government must show the necessary political will to overcome this.

The entirety of the project has a huge potential for reducing water-logging in the city through reclaimed water channels and curbing traffic congestion in the capital. So, we must go ahead with the remainder of the project before long.