Satkhira Correspondent

Even with a little rain, ordinary people on Sultanpur Barabazar Road in Satkhira city are suffering from stagnant water due to waterlogging. With shops on both sides of the road and knee-deep water in the middle, the suffering of buyers and sellers coming to the market has reached its peak.

After the light rain that started on Friday (July 4) morning, the dirty water that had accumulated inside the market was like a sinkhole. Walking in the market was very difficult. Some people were walking barefoot in sandals, treading through the dirty water, while others were walking back the same way they had come.

Ahad Ali, a shopper at the market, said, "This situation happens every time during the monsoon. Since there is no drainage system, water accumulates even after a little rain. You can't stand the stench."

Shopkeepers Zeher Ali and Moniruzzaman Moni expressed their anger and said, "Rain means shops are closed. Not only are there no sales, but goods are also damaged. Yet the market is one of the busiest roads in Satkhira!"

The drainage system on this road under the jurisdiction of Satkhira Municipality has been ineffective for a long time. Locals complain that the drains are clogged due to the lack of regular removal of market waste. As a result, rainwater cannot drain, but instead, waves of stagnant water spread on the road.

Sources from the market management committee said, "At least two major drains in the market have been blocked. We have informed the municipality many times. But no effective action has been taken."

An official of Satkhira Municipality, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "There is a drainage renovation project in the market area. Work will begin once the allocation is received."

Meanwhile, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shoaib Ahmad inspected the waterlogging in Itagachha area of the city and spoke to the locals. The locals blamed the unplanned fish enclosure for the waterlogging. During this time, the Upazila Executive Officer spoke to the fish enclosure owners. He directed the enclosure owners to take necessary steps to remove the water as soon as possible.

However, the victims demand that not only promises but also quick and sustainable solutions are needed. Otherwise, the suffering of stagnant water will be their constant companion even with a little rain.

On one side is the heart of the city, the Big Bazaar, and on the other side, the common people are constantly suffering due to neglect and a dysfunctional drainage system. If the problem of waterlogging on this road is not resolved now, it will become an even bigger threat to public health and the local economy, according to conscious circle.