11 launch terminals damaged by Sidr, Aila still not repaired
In absence of pontoon, passengers wait for launch at the makeshift jetty at Hajirhat launch terminal in Dashmina upazila under Patuakhali district, right, Uttar Dharandi launch terminal has been lying unused since it was lifted onto the ground during a cyclone a couple of years ago. Photo: STAR
Eleven of the 30 launch terminals that got damaged during the onslaught of super cyclones Sidr and Alia in 2007 and 2009 at different places in the district have remained unusable for long, much to the sufferings of thousands of passengers in the coastal region. In the district criss-crossed by a number of rivers, people mostly depend on launch communication. Besides, cost for water transportation is still much lower than that on road. The government is getting revenue from yearly lease of the launch terminals but no step has been taken for their repair or renovation. "The pontoon of Hazirhat launch terminal has remained under water since it sank in the river on September 11 last year. We have to face a lot of trouble while getting into and down from launches," said Jahangir Howlader, a local businessman. Another pontoon at Uttar Dharandi launch terminal in Patuakhali Sadar upazila sank one year ago as its damaged bottom cracked. The pontoon was lifted after a few days but it is yet to be made usable. "I received lease of the terminal for Tk 61,000 (including Vat) from the authorities but I cannot realise money by selling terminal tickets as there is no pontoon," said terminal lessee SM Faruq. The pontoons at Pashchim Kachipara and Karkhana launch terminals in Baufal upazila get stuck to the ground during the low tide while water enters through the cracks in the bottom during the high tide. Damaged pontoons of Rangabali, Badnatali and Char Gorobdi launch terminals are also lying useless. Pontoons at New Market in Patuakhali town and Vikhakhali and Kakrabunia in Mirzaganj upazila need immediate renovation. The pontoon of Galachipa terminal has also remained virtually unusable for launches. "We have to get on launches with the help of small wooden boats or wading through mud. The situation causes serious sufferings for passengers, especially women and children," said Abul Hossain, a local. "Launches can anchor at the pontoon for 5/6 days a month, that too only during the high tide, when water level in the river increases under the influence of full moon and new moon. Rest of the month launches have to anchor in the mid river," said Ibrahim Dafadar, lessee of the terminal. "We received lease of the launch terminal for Tk 14.60 lakh for the running year from BIWTA (Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority) but we are facing losses as number of passengers is decreasing day by day in absence of a usable pontoon," he added. When contacted, Md Mostafizur Rahman, deputy director of BIWTA, said, "We sent several letters to the higher authorities to take steps for repair of the pontoons. The sunken pontoon at Hazirhat launch terminal will be replaced by a new one very soon."
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