The structures rattled in the light breeze and had several breaches; rain water penetrates and damages furnishings; parasites have spread throughout the building and are already jumping the walls; The roof, stairway, and walls are about to fall. The land office was also abandoned eight years ago. More than 500 people are living in 150-year-old buildings risking their lives because there is no alternative. This picture is from Kurupara area of Kumarkhali Municipality. Residents live in more than 50 dilapidated buildings here. There is a possibility of an accident at any moment, but there is no steps to repair it.
Reportedly, when the district administration asked the municipality about the status of the old buildings in Kundupara, the land office conducted an on-the-spot investigation and identified 46 dilapidated buildings. Of these, 20 are assigned property, the rest are private property. All buildings are at risk. We have written to the administration to take steps to remove them, but it has not worked. There are risky buildings beyond the municipality's calculations.
Nurul Islam, a 75-year-old resident of a building, said, "I took the building on lease from the government 25 years ago. The building was built much earlier. Now the iron of the house is damaged. When it rains, water accumulates in the house. When there is a slight breeze, I am nervous; when does the home fall apart? There are no places to go. My life is in my hands as I live it.
Reportedly, 150 years ago, the rich Kundu descendants built more than 50 buildings in Ward No. 4 of Kumarkhali Municipality. They left the country long before independence. Some of these houses have been leased by the government. Many sold before leaving the country, residents said.
Mayor Shamsuzzaman Arun said the buildings have been declared risky by the municipality several times. Notice has also been given. Still, residents aren't moving. The administration has also been informed. If no one takes action, action will be taken by the municipality. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Bitan Kumar Mandal said the risky buildings have been inspected. Necessary action will be taken soon through the district administration.
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