Light poles over drains raise waterlogging fears

Residents and experts have expressed concern that waterlogging and traffic congestion would worsen in Chattogram city due to the installation of base structures for LED street light poles directly over functional drains and on road spaces in different areas.

The issue came to light after a photograph of a base constructed on a drain in front of Dr Khastagir Government Girls’ High School in Jamalkhan area went viral on social media.

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Following heavy backlash, the Chattogram City Corporation authorities formed a review committee which has recommended realignment of pole bases at certain spots, said Committee Member Secretary and CCC Superintendent Engineer Farhadul Alam.

Under the Local Government Covid-19 Response and Recovery Project (LGCRRP), a total of 478 LED street light poles are being installed along 11.8-kilometre roads at a cost of Tk 12.14 crore. Base structures for 20-25 poles have already been built in areas including Jamalkhan, Cheragi Pahar, Nandankanan, Kazir Dewri, Muradpur, and Askar Dighi.

Recent visits to the areas revealed that light pole bases have been built on functional drains in several locations.

“Street lighting is essential for safety at night, but if it obstructs drainage and causes waterlogging during rains, it will only worsen public suffering,” said Reshmi Akhter from Jamalkhan.

“Erecting light poles that reduce road space right in front of schools heightens the risk of accidents,” said Sushanta Barua, a resident of Nandankanan.

Contacted, CCC Mayor Shahadat Hossain said, “There must have been some flaws. Remedial measures are being taken.”

CCC Chief Engineer Anisur Rahman said, “During implementation, it was found that some pole locations fell inside drains. We have temporarily halted work wherever it appeared risky, and those will be removed and corrected.”

CCC Superintendent Engineer Farhadul Alam said bypass arrangements are being made in Jamalkhan and Nandankanan to keep drainage normal, adding that large underground pipes will be installed in specific cases to ensure smooth water flow.

However, placing utility poles on footpaths, roads, and drains is nothing new in the port city, said Delwar Majumdar, an urban planner.

“Such incidents show that CCC did not properly oversee the contractors’ work,” he said.

He suggested physical inspection of every location and identifying proper spots before setting up utility poles.