CDA takes new housing project before completing previous ones

Chittagong Development Authority (CDA) has finally started developing the ‘Bayazid Housing’ project despite its previous failures in the implementation of several other housing projects. The CDA has taken up a new housing project after almost a decade. The project will have more than 100 residential plots along with 15 commercial plots on 7 acres of land in the Bayazid area of the port city.

According to CDA sources, ‘Bayazid Housing Project Development Loop Road’ adjacent to Dhaka Trunk Road to the Bayazid Bostami Road will be implemented on 7 acres of land and will have three, four and five katha residential plots. Apart from the residential area, the project will have 15 commercial plots with amenities like green fences, an artificial lake and playgrounds.

Chief Engineer of CDA, Kazi Hasan Bin Shams told The Business Post, “CDA has taken the initiative to develop a new housing project after a long time”.

“The Detailed Project Plan (DPP) has been sent to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works last year and it has issued some amendments. CDA is currently finalising the project’s DPP. The initiative was to build the project on 20 acres of land but it is not possible to do it. Now the implementation will be on 7 acres. Out of which, CDA has about 3 acres. The revised DPP will be sent to the ministry within the next week,” he added.

When asked why new projects are being taken while many others like the Karnaphuli project are yet to become fully residential, Shams stated, “CDA has disbursed the plots of all the projects that were taken earlier. But no settlements were developed due to the water problem. I have issued several letters to WASA in regards to solving the water problem in the Karnaphuli project.”

In regards to the latest project, he said, “Bayazid project is very beneficial. Being closer to the city, there will be all kinds of facilities. If the residential area is not properly planned, then it will become a slum. Who will take the responsibility then? This project has been taken up with the aim of developing a planned residential area. People may not embrace the projects that were taken earlier. But after 10 years they will. If proper planning is not implemented in the projects, the entire city’s development will face crises.”