Heavy rain, lack of drainage cause waterlogging

Magura's Mohammadpur upazila headquarters finds itself grappling with a dire situation as small houses lie in ruins and waterlogging wreaks havoc following a spell of light rain. The absence of a functional drainage system has exacerbated the crisis, with water pooling between the upazila headquarters entrance and the local market, rendering the area impassable.

The repercussions of this predicament are felt across the community, as it brings normal life, trade, and commerce to a grinding halt. Pedestrians, including students on their way to schools and colleges, as well as drivers of both small and large vehicles, endure severe inconveniences. Frustrated residents are now demanding immediate action to address the road's condition and water drainage issues.

On a recent Friday morning, the valiant freedom fighters of Upazila Sadar awoke to a disheartening sight. Two key roadways, Sahadar Shaheed Ahmed-Mohammed roads, had transformed into virtual ponds after two days of rain. This unfortunate situation has left hundreds of thousands of people and businessmen in 12 to 14 villages within the Upazila Sadar Asha North region grappling with never-ending challenges.

The heroic freedom fighter Shaheed Ahmad-Mohammed road is a lifeline for thousands of students attending various educational institutions, including Dakhil Madrasa, Technical College, Biren Shikdar School and College, and Etikhana. Additionally, hundreds of individuals visit the central cemetery daily, relying on this critical thoroughfare.

During the rainy season, outsiders, be they buyers or sellers, are reluctant to venture into Sadar unless absolutely necessary. Those who do venture forth must endure significant hardships. Local businessmen are also bearing the brunt of this crisis, as both traders and pedestrians unite in their demand for a prompt resolution to the problem.

Upazila Engineer Mr. Md. Saddam Hossain clarified that the affected road is not under his jurisdiction but is a highway. Consequently, there is little that can be done at the local level to address these pressing issues, raising questions about the responsibility for essential infrastructure maintenance.