Fate of Kazipur’s Mujib Killa uncertain

Rehennuma Tarannum:

Mujib Killa, which was being constructed in Salal-Chardoglas Mouza under Chargirish union of Kazipur upazila in Sirajganj district at a cost of around Tk 2 crore with a view to protect the shoal people and their assets from disasters like river erosion, floods, cyclones and storms, has itself become a victim of catastrophe.

A part of the under construction Mujib Killa has already been collapsed into the Jamuna river surprising to all before completion of its construction that raises question over appropriateness of the selected site.

The project of Mujib Killa was undertaken by the Disaster Management Department, while its work order was given to Sajeeb Construction Firm.

Engineer Tanvir Shakil Joy, Parliament Member of Sirajganj-1 Constituency (Kazipur) laid foundation stone on December 4 in 2022. But, it’s a painful matter that, before completion of its construction, a large portion of the under construction Mujib Killa went into the riverbed recently.

Locals are now apprehending that, the rest portion of the sheltering centre-Mujib Killa may go to the riverbed within short time as the river erosion has taken serious turn nowadays due to recession of flood water.

Zahurul Islam, a local resident said, “We are totally confused over its lasting. We are apprehending that, rest part of the under construction Mujib Killa may collapse into the riverbed any time due to devastation of the river. Only for faulty selection of the project site, the total money of the project may go to the river water. But, who will take its responsibility?”

Shahzahan Ali, Headmaster of Doglas-Vetua Primary School said, “Our school was relocated for five terms. We are in fear of further erosion. We don’t know what we will do over our 84 students. I think, it was wrong decision to implement such as project on newly filled up soil on the bank of mighty river Jamuna. They had needed revise before its construction.”

A source of District Relief and Rehabilitation Office (DRRO) said, it was a B-type installation. Its main goal was protecting people and their assets along with domestic animals from disasters. Besides, it was plan to use the installations for carrying educational activities, setting up playground, hat-bazar and temporary service centre. But unfortunately, it own-self has become victim of disaster.

Monwar Hossain, Project Director of Mujib Killa told media, “We have formed a-three member committee to verify its sustainability. We will take necessary decision after getting the report.”

Ripon Mian, Engineer of the construction firm said, “We have completed 80 percent of the works. But, a part of the project has washed out as it was constructed on newly filled up soil and sands.

Jiaul Haque, Chairman of Chargirish Union Parishad said, “A part of the under construction installation has collapsed due to faulty construction on newly generated soil. The pillars of the installation were set up on loose soil. As a result, the rooms have been devoured by the river.

Admitting about damage of Mujib Killa, AKM Shah Alam Mollah, PIO of Kazipur upazila said, “A part of the project have collapsed and several parts are now under threat of erosion. A probe body has been formed to find the reasons behind the untimely collapse of the building. Action would be taken after getting the report.”

Mahbubur Rahman, Executive Engineer of Water Development Board (WDB) in Sirajganj told The Daily Sky that, “WDB always advices to all not to set up any permanent installation on the bank of river or erosion affected areas or vulnerable places. People should construct smoothly removable installations at the erosion prone areas. As a part of the Mujib Killa has already gone into the riverbed, remaining parts should consider as risky for collapse or damage. So, the authorities concerned should take necessary steps right now in this regard by conducting a proper survey.”