Niketon -Gulshan walkway
The walkway constructed from Niketon Bridge to Mohakhali Road on the Gulshan-1 side is one of the more laudatory projects of Dhaka City Corporation. Its picture really deserved its pride of place in the Star City section of DS some days ago. However, like most such projects of DCC it has been left incomplete. Here is why:
1.Earth compaction on the Niketon Lake side has not been done, so the walkway is already starting to crack and may not last many monsoons. This can easily be done now by dredging the lake to provide the earth compaction cheaply.
2.Once earth is filled up, there should be a sloping landscaped grassy verge going down to the lake. A few benches would be welcome on a summer's day as would some shade trees.
3.As a measure to stop land grabbing, the walkway is very effective, but what are the two dozens or more sewerage pipes, jutting out from houses on both sides of the lake under the walkway, doing? Is this a reservoir of clean water or sewerage?
4.The existing area between the walkway and the lake has become a household refuse dump for the houses on both sides. With water levels falling as summer approaches, only those with perfumed handkerchiefs on their noses will be able to use the walkway. The stench already makes breathing an impossibility.
5.To complete the project and serve the same purpose, an identical walkway should also be constructed on the Niketon side up to Partex/ Mohakhali Bridge. From the Niketon Bridge to Gulshan Avenue between Niketon Society and the proposed park (wrested from DCC sweepers two years ago), the smaller lake could well serve as an additional place of recreation with the same improvements.
6.To maintain it, the completed project could be leased out to a private organisation to run fishery/poultry/nursery projects.
7.Finally, what in the world is that electric guide-wire doing in the middle of the walkway? If its purpose is to trip unwary pedestrians in the dark, it is doing its job magnificently. I have already fallen victim twice, which for a 75 year old, is two too many.
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