They suffer just for lack of a 100-metre dam

The Golachipa Ashrayan Project in Patuakhali is inundated during every full moon and new moon only for lack of a 100-metre dam on the Golachipa river. PHOTO: STAR

One hundred landless families were rehabilitated three months ago at the project set up on three acres of land in launch terminal area in Golachipa upazila headquarters.

The river is on the north of the project, which goes under water when there is high tide during new moon and full moon due to lack of only a 100-metre embankment.

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Houses in the project are inundated by two to three feet water in every full moon and new moon in the rainy season, Abdul Mannan, a resident told this correspondent during a recent visit.

The project area remains under water eight to ten days a month, he said.

"We can not even cook (food) as our houses are injundated. We are thinking to leave this place", Mannan's wife Amena Begum said.

When contacted, Golachipa Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mezbah Uddin said the Water Development Board (WDB) has been officially requested to construct an embankment.

"They have assured us", he said. The problem should have been addressed during implementation of the project, he added.