The Wazirpur upazila administration in Barishal has returned Tk 60,82,403 in unspent funds from a canal re-excavation project to the government treasury after completing the work. A total of Tk 2,57,52,775 was allocated for re-excavating a canal stretching from Dasherhat Bazar through Guthia Baitul Aman Jame Mosque Complex and Panchagram Bazar to Guthia Bazar in Wazirpur upazila. The project began in April 2024 and was completed on June 30 this year. The unspent amount was deposited into the government treasury, according to the upazila administration.
Why was the canal re-excavated?
The canal had long suffered from reduced navigability, disrupting normal water flow and causing waterlogging during the monsoon and difficulties for agricultural activities during the dry season. The re-excavation is expected to restore water flow and benefit agriculture, irrigation and the local environment.
What are the benefits of the re-excavation?
Kamrul, a resident of Guthia Union, said the re-excavation had restored water movement and would facilitate irrigation for farmers, helping boost crop production.
What is the reaction to the return of unspent funds?
Barishal District Krishak Dal President Shafiul Alam Shafru welcomed the return of the unspent funds, saying it was positive that government money had not been wasted. Leaders and activists of the Wazirpur upazila unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) also praised the initiative, saying government funds are public money and should be used properly.
What did the upazila administration say about the project?
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Ali Suja said the government undertook the project to reduce waterlogging, restore normal water flow and revive the ecological balance of the historically important canal, which had suffered from prolonged neglect. He emphasized the importance of ensuring proper use of allocated funds and returning any surplus to the government treasury.
