Residents of Ahmednagar, Paikpara and Shah Alibagh in Mirpur are suffering from waterlogging that severely disrupts life in their neighbourhood.
They demand permanent solution to the problem through regular cleaning of the drains and establishing a sewer system in the area.
"Even a little rain causes severe waterlogging in this low-lying area. Waterlogging causes traffic jam, leading to immense sufferings of the residents. School going children suffer the most," said Murad Hossain, president, West Ahmednagar House Owners' Association.
"The situation is extremely bad and it is worsening every day," added Murad who has been living in this area for the last 35 years. "During rain ground floors and underground water tanks of most of the houses go under water. People living near the Salemuddin Market are the worst sufferer. Waist deep water is an everyday experience for them during the monsoon"
"Drainage system in the area is not adequate and it is not regularly cleaned. It has been around two years the drains were last cleaned up. Now it is severely clogged. Cleaners of the city corporation would not clean even an inch without bribe," alleged Murad.
Ahmednagar, Paikpara and Shah Alibagh are in ward no 12, 13 and 14 of Dhaka City Corporation (DCC). When asked about the problem, Shirin Rukhsana, ward commissioner (reserved seat-6) of the area, said, "The area is being neglected for a long time. With the meagre yearly budget it is not possible to solve all the problems."
"The area is not under Rajuk master plan. There is no sewer system. The streets are very narrow and they need massive repair work. We have to improve the alleys first, then we will be able to establish sewer system in the area," she added.
"We also need more cleaners for the surface drains," Rukhsana said.
The area is situated under DCC zones 7 and 8. Executive officer for zone 7 said the situation has worsened because there is no sewer system in the area.
The surface drains of the area are connected to the sewer that flushes water out of Mirpur section 1 and 2. "Mirpur is a vast area with huge population. Sewer connected to that area always overflows. Moreover, Ahmednagar, Paikpara and Shah Alibagg are low-lying areas. Water from the drain cannot push its way up to the sewer system," he said.
He also blamed the house owners for covering the surface drains with slabs.
"Rainwater from Ahmednagar, Paikpara and Shah Alibagh are usually pumped out into the Kalyanpur canal. Pumping alone cannot get rid of the water," he added.
He mentioned that earlier the rainwater used to lead its way to the Kalyanpur canal through retention ponds in the area. Nowadays roads and houses blocked all the ways. Houses are built in lower grounds than the roads so when it rains houses become inundated.
"The only solution that can ease the situation is to build a sewer system that directly connects with the main sewer on Darus Salam Road or to drain the water through a long pipe in the Kalyanpur canal," he said. "We are working together with the Dhaka Wasa to find permanent solution to the problem," he added.
