11 years on, allottees yet to get plots

The CDA attributed the delay to non-availability of groundwater hindering development of a water supply system. However, it claimed to have taken fresh initiatives to solve the water crisis.

The CDA developed the housing society, Karnaphuli Residential Area, on about 50 acres of land on the southern bank of the Karnaphuli, back in 1993.

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A total of 406 plots of 3 katha and 5 katha were developed and the allotment process was also completed, sources said, adding that the CDA received Tk 12 crore from the allottees.

But the plots were not handed over to the owners as it failed to develop the water supply system, they said.

CDA officials said they have recently made an appeal to the local government and rural development ministry for installation of a water supply system through Wasa, Chittagong.

If the ministry approves of the appeal to set up a water treatment plant, the problem can be solved through treatment of surface water, they said.

The CDA has also discussed the issue with the Wasa.

If water crisis could be solved through such plants, the CDA would be encouraged to develop more housing projects in nearby areas, the official said.

Silimpur Residential Area, another housing project the CDA developed in early eighties, faced similar problems as utility services were not taken into consideration during its implementation, said CDA Chief Engineer Shah Md Akhteruddin.

Located at southwestern fringe of the city, the residential area is yet to have water and gas supply system.

A plot owner of Silimpur Residential Area said he was forced to live in a rented house because of absence of water and gas supply.

Although 500 plots have been allotted in the area, buildings were constructed on about 10 plots only, he said.

The chief engineer, however, said the CDA was now attaching top priority to the availability of water, gas and power supply before taking up any housing project so that the plot owners do not suffer such problems.