There is no possibility of respite for around 4 lakh people in Jhigatola area in the city from severe waterlogging soon as the authorities are likely to start work for development of a new sewerage system in the area in November. People of the area said they have been facing serious waterlogging over the years during the rainy seasons, but the authorities do not take any effective steps to solve the perennial problem. Roads, lanes and by-lanes of the area go under ankle to knee-deep water after light rain, and after heavy shower, suffering of the people goes beyond the limit as rainwater enters houses and shops, said Abul Hashem Mia, a retired government official who lives at Haji Afsaruddin Road in the area. "We cannot even go to the mosque for prayers as the road connecting our house and the mosque goes under knee-deep water even after light rain,' he said. Nazimuddin, a shop owner of the area, said, "We suffer huge losses as we have to shut down our shops due to waterlogging.' Polluted water from overflowing manholes and drains is seen on the roads, lanes and by-lanes of the area regularly as manholes and drains are not cleaned up properly. Besides, toxic water coming down from adjoining Hazaribagh tannery area and uncovered manholes are adding to the misery of the people. The people who live in the area have to wade through this toxic and stinky water everyday during the monsoon, exposing themselves to various infections and diseases. When asked, Ward Commissioner of the area Haroon Chowdhury admitted the problem, saying: "We have complained to the concerned authorities several times but they paid no heed to it.' He alleged that the people of the area are also responsible for waterlogging as they throw household waste here and there which blocks the drains. A Wasa official said waterlogging in the area has increased as the existing drainage system is flawed. Executive Engineer of Drainage Division of Wasa Khairul Bashar said the existing drainage system, which was built 11 to 12 years ago, is not adequate now as the population in the area have increased many times. "We have taken up a plan to set up a new drainage system in the area, the work of which is likely to begin in November next,' he said, adding that the drawing up of the plan has been completed and tender for the work will be floated very soon. Bashar said further said, "We are hopeful that the work of the new drainage system will be finished before the next rainy season. As a result, waterlogging in the area will be reduced to a great extent.' Wasa Managing Director Raihanul Abedin told the news agency that waterlogging problem in Jhigatola area would be solved before the next monsoon as a new plan for the improvement of sewerage system is underway.