Drain water overflows on Gopalmal Road in Sambalpur. Telegraph picture

Sambalpur, Aug. 26: Residents of Gopalmal of this city, which comes under ward No. 27 of the Sambalpur Municipality, are facing trouble because of an incomplete drain along the main road of their area. The road connects Gopalmal to Khetrajpur railway station.

Rainwater does not find any outlet to be released and flows over the Gopalmal Road because of the incomplete drain.

“A little rain plays havoc in this part of the city. The Gopalmal Road remains waterlogged for most of the times during the monsoon. This is a regular phenomenon of Gopalmal. Water enters into local houses every time there is a heavy downpour,” said Goutam Mahanad, a local resident.

The incomplete drain along the Gopalmal Road is to be blamed for the waterlogging. The municipality has left the construction of the drain incomplete. It should take initiative to solve the problem to provide relief to the local residents, he said.

Susanta Sahu, a daily commuter, said: “I go to my office everyday through this road. A little rain causes drain water to flow over the road here. During heavy rain, I have to take other routes to reach my office as knee-high water flows on this road.”

Hundreds of students, who depend on this vital road to go to the local Kendriya Vidyalaya and Gurunanak Public School, also face problem because of waterlogging here every monsoon.

“The problem can only be solved after completion of the drain’s construction. The municipality should take urgent measures to construct the drain,” said Rajendra Rana, another commuter. Local councillor Suryakanti Naik said: “The municipality plans to complete the drain at the earliest. A tender for the construction will be invited shortly.”