A mega project intended to promote tourism in Kutubdia, Cox’s Bazar, has stalled, leaving the Citizen Park and installations at Baraghop Steamer Ghat in poor condition. The project was launched about seven years ago by then executive officer Sujon Chowdhury near the police station pond and land office. It included a Balaka water fountain, gate, wall art, animal murals and sculptures of fish and fruit, while a seating area and dolphin sculpture were built at the steamer ghat.

About Tk 13 lakh was spent in several phases to build nearly 20 sculptures at the two locations, but work later stopped for unspecified reasons. Several murals have broken through neglect and others have lost their paint. NGO worker Umme Khairunnesa Urmi said children visit the park to take photographs, but its appearance has deteriorated and repairs could draw regular local visitors.

Craftsman Mahabub said the fountain has electricity and water lines, but no further action was taken after its connecting motor was stolen. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mizanur Rahman said there is no separate project for Citizen Park, although work on a new children’s park has begun. He said arrangements will be made to repair damaged murals at Citizen Park and the steamer ghat.