Anyone visiting the southern part of Pipe Road area will first encounter a filthy, muddy stretch of road. Only a few years ago, the area was busy and vibrant. Now, the road has become a nightmare for residents of Munshirbari in Mir Hazirbagh under DSCC ward-54, as it remains submerged in knee-deep dirty water for months.

Mohammad Ilias, a resident, said the road extends from Pipe Road on the western side, connecting Doyaganj–Jurain Railgate Road, to Mir Hazirbagh Khalpar.

About 450 metres of the road are severely damaged due to stagnant water.

"The road has been in this condition for about three years because the water cannot drain properly. After the construction of the adjoining Sahadat Sarak, the drainage flow from Pipe Road got blocked," he said.

He said water stood one to two feet deep for months and only began to recede slightly this week. "This road used to be important for residents travelling to Mir Hazirbagh Chowrasta and Khalpar," he added.

Monir Hossain, another resident, said, "I have been living here for 20 years, but for the last three years, we've been suffering because of this drainage problem. Whenever it rains, roadside shops go underwater."

He said the poor road conditions have disrupted gas supply and made it difficult for children to attend school. "Rickshaws avoid this road entirely," he added.

He also said stagnant water has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, leading to a rise in dengue cases.

Nipa Akhter, another resident, echoed him.

Mohammad Sohel, a restaurant owner in the area, said, "My restaurant sales have dropped drastically. I used to sell Tk 10,000–12,000 daily, but now I make only Tk 1,000–2,000. I cannot even pay rent or staff salaries."

"It is a huge challenge for anyone needing medical help -- patients have to be carried by hand as no rickshaw or vehicle can pass through," he said.

Abdullah Al Amin, owner of a local pharmacy, said many residents are suffering from various illnesses due to the dirty, stagnant water.

"The most common problems are skin diseases and allergies. Diarrhoea is also common, and children frequently suffer from colds and coughs. Many need nebulisers because of thick mucus from constant respiratory issues," he said.

Contacted, Executive Engineer of DSCC zone-5 Md Lutfor Fakir said they have begun the road repair work recently.

It will be completed within the next year, he said, adding that once drainage and road repairs are done, the waterlogging issue will be resolved.