Rainwater cascades from Chattogram flyover, soaking pedestrians and disrupting traffic

The Daily Star reports on a persistent problem plaguing Chattogram's Muradpur-Lalkhan Bazar flyover: rainwater spilling directly onto the busy road below. This issue, caused by malfunctioning drainage systems, transforms the flyover into an unintended waterfall during downpours, creating significant inconvenience and safety hazards for commuters.

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I was riding my bike when water suddenly fell on me from above. Within seconds, I was completely soaked.

Pedestrians and motorcyclists frequently find themselves unexpectedly drenched, forcing some to return home to change. The sudden deluge disrupts traffic flow, particularly for motorcyclists and rickshaw pullers who face challenges with visibility and balance on slippery roads, increasing the risk of accidents. Residents have expressed frustration that this problem has persisted for several monsoon seasons with little visible action from the authorities.

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When water falls suddenly, it affects visibility and balance. It can easily lead to accidents, especially on slippery roads.

Mohammed Rifatul Karim Chowdhury, executive engineer of the CCC's drainage and disaster management unit, has admitted that cracked pipelines are the cause. While the CCC plans to install new pipelines once the rainfall ceases, the admission that no pipelines have been replaced in the last two monsoons raises questions about the maintenance and upkeep of this vital infrastructure. The Daily Star highlights this as an example of how infrastructure deficiencies can significantly impact the daily lives and safety of city dwellers, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

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I have noticed water spilling from the flyover near the Peninsula point at GEC during rainfall over several monsoon seasons. He alleged that the problem has persisted for a long time with little visible action from the authorities.