Residents of Mazed Sardar Road in Old Dhaka face ongoing issues with the road being submerged in unclean water for most of the year. With over a thousand people residing in the area, locals expressed concerns about the road’s poor condition, which poses risks for vehicles and pedestrians alike.
Mohammad Sohel, a resident, recounted an incident where he broke his hand while navigating the road, emphasizing the need for caution due to the challenging road conditions. Another local, Mohammad Sentu Miah, highlighted the road’s deteriorating state over the past three years, attributing it to the negligence of the city corporation.
The lack of maintenance has led to blocked drainage lines, causing sewage to overflow onto the road, forcing residents to navigate through the contaminated water regularly. The situation exacerbates during the rainy season, with the road often submerged under knee-high water, impacting the daily lives of those living in the area.
Residents shared stories of health issues arising from prolonged exposure to the dirty water, with some noting the difficulty of retaining tenants and conducting daily activities due to the persistent problem. Kohinoor Begum, who provides meals to factory workers, expressed concerns about the risks of carrying food boxes on the precarious road.
Additionally, reports of accidents, such as individuals falling into open manholes concealed by the murky water, raised safety concerns among the locals. The dire conditions also affect students and medical workers who have to navigate the flooded road, often leading to soaked clothes and challenging commutes.
In response to the situation, Dhaka South City Corporation’s Chief Engineer, Nur Azizur Rahman, acknowledged the issue and stated that a contractor has been assigned to address the road’s repair. However, concerns were raised about the slow progress, prompting officials to expedite the process and find immediate solutions during an upcoming meeting.