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Photo: Reaz Ahmed Sumon
The beautification of an abandoned pond in the Dholaikhal area of Old Dhaka has created a space for recreation in the overcrowded city, with the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) planning to open the site to visitors next month.
For years, the pond had been overwhelmed by waste generated by households and businesses around it. Its blackened water and piles of garbage were an ugly eyesore and a major source of discomfort for people in this locality.
With the development work recently done, there has been a marked difference in the physical look of this place, as it is now transformed into a fresh pond, walkways around, landscaping, and viewing decks which can provide some respite to the people in this crowded urban setting.
For the local community, this development means far more than just making the place look good. It means making this neglected spot a recreational spot for its inhabitants.
Raihan Islam, a local resident, recalled that the area used to be filled with foul odours and was largely unusable. “We finally have some space to sit, rest and walk,” he said, urging the authorities to complete the remaining work and open the area to the public as soon as possible.
According to sources, the much-anticipated beautification of the Dholaikhal Pond project, titled “Improvement and Construction Works at Dholaikhal Green Area and Pond under Dhaka Urban Neighbourhood Upgradation Project”, commenced on 23 February 2023, with the funding of the World Bank.
The project work was awarded to Masud Hi-Tech Engineering Limited and Charo Enterprise JV, with an initial completion date of 23 April 2024. However, they failed to complete the work within the stipulated time, and the deadline was later extended twice, with 30 June 2026 being the final deadline. The project cost also rose to Tk22.86 crore from Tk19.88 crore.
According to project documents, the plan includes renovation of 200,297.4 sq ft of pond area, construction of 1,968 ft of walkway, 2,155 ft of bicycle lane, 60,000 sq ft of green space, two amphitheatres with seating for 500 people, two public toilets, a landing station, a children’s play zone, four fountains and multiple food stalls.
However, a recent visit to the site revealed that some work had been completed, including the beautification of the pond, one entrance gate, three viewing decks, a ghatla, a walkway around the pond, a tea stall and a toilet building, one amphitheatre and an exit gate and an entry gate.
However, the fountains, food stalls, bicycle lane and another amphitheatre, among other elements, were still not visible. The entrance and exit gates were also found closed, and access to the public was denied.
Regarding the differences between the proposed project work and the work actually implemented, project engineer Kamrul Hasan of the Charo Enterprise JV said that two amphitheatres were not possible within the limited space and that the work for the bicycle lane and fountains did not fall within their scope of work. He also blamed the funding for the differences.
“We completed our part. There is another phase which is still due and would be done later, and we are not part of it. The rest of the work will probably be completed in that phase.”
Regarding the overall development, Rajib Khadem, Superintending Engineer of Dhaka South City Corporation, said the project work had been completed. However, if the World Bank or government funds another package, lighting and other work will be done. If funding doesn't come, the City Corporation or another source will pay for the work.
Regarding the differences in work completed and work tasked through the master plan, he said some changes had been made to the design, like ensuring security through multiple gates would have been difficult. There was also a drainage channel that was not included in the master plan, which resulted in some changes.
He stated that the remaining tasks would be completed gradually once funding was secured.
“People are already using it in its current state. It will be officially opened to the public within the next 10 to 15 days,” he said.