Manikganj Town Bazar gets sanitation facilities

Manikganj Town Bazar, located at the heart of the town and one of the largest markets in the district, serves as a big commercial hub where numerous buyers and sellers gather to meet their daily needs.

However, despite its importance, local business owners and visitors have long suffered due to poor management and inadequate infrastructure in the every busy market.

Particularly, the two public toilets and three urinals in the market had become unusable over a long period of time.

With no proper sanitation facilities available, many were forced to relieve themselves in nearby areas, causing environmental pollution and raising serious health concerns. The foul odors emanating from the neglected toilets also disturbed nearby shopkeepers, leaving them disgusted and helpless.

Highlighting this crisis, The Financial Express published a new report titled "Manikganj Town Bazar faces sanitation crisis" on May 27. Following the publication, the municipal authorities took immediate action. Within days of the report, Manikganj Municipality officials conducted an on-site inspection of the market area. After assessing the situation, they decided to undertake urgent measures. The municipality announced a project to construct two new toilets, two urinals, and to sink a tube-well on the market premises.

According to municipal sources, the project is being implemented under the Annual Development Program (ADP) with a total budget allocation of BDT 604,686. The local firm, M/s Supti Dipti Traders, has been awarded the contract for the work.

A site visit on Tuesday afternoon revealed ongoing cleaning and preparation work at the old toilet and urinal locations, facilitating the quick commencement of the construction. Workers reported a slight delay in starting the project due to the recent monsoon rains.

Several traders expressed their relief and appreciation. One vendor stated, "The toilets had been out of order for a long time. Even though we sit here all day, we can't use them. It's good to see work has finally started. We thank the municipality for considering our difficulties. We hope the project work will be completed quickly." Customer Sathi Rani Biswas commented, "There was nowhere to go in an emergency while at the town bazar. This was especially problematic for women. The new toilets will be very helpful."

Mr Sijarul Islam, the contractor, said, "We have received the contract to build two toilets, two urinals, and sink one tube-well here. Continuous rain prevented us from starting work at the beginning of July, but now the work has begun in full swing. We are trying to complete it as soon as possible."

Municipal Administrator Sanjida Jesmin, said, "Once we were informed, we immediately inspected the site and initiated the project for two toilets, two urinals, and a tube-well. We have set a deadline to complete the work by August this year."

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