Residents of the capital are yet to reap benefits from dividing Dhaka City Corporation into two, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC). There appears to be a lack of coordination and confusion over who has jurisdiction in certain border lying areas. This division into two new city corporations has hampered many of its peripheral services.
In many places, drainage and street maintenance has not been done properly as authorities of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) are yet to chalk out a clear borderline separating the two jurisdictions.
Dwellers of the capital’s Shukrabad, Farmgate, Indira road, and Rajabazar area have alleged that there is rampant negligence and lack of maintenance from the city corporations who they claim have turned a blind eye to various long-stand issues, such as potholes and lack of proper drainage, in the area.
They also said conditions worsen during the monsoon season when the entire area goes under knee-deep water as a result of the poorly maintained drainage systems.
“The depleted conditions of the streets inside residential areas make it difficult for us to drive through and most vehicles use the main road, stretching from Panthopath signal to Russel Square, resulting in unbearable traffic jam at the intersection,” Shamim Ahmed, a resident of Shukrabad.
“The conditions of most streets inside the area remain quite unsuable all the year round,” he added.
Shamim also blamed the city corporations for the sorry state of the streets, which were last repaired some five years ago.
Ashraf Ali, resident of Indira road, said: “The city corporation only repaired the street leading to the residence of former Law Minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed in the area. The rest of the streets remain unattended.”
During a recent visit, this correspondent found that streets in Shukrabad, West Rajabazar, East Rajabazar, Indira Road, Ambagan, Tallabagh and adjoining area of Sobhanbagh Govt Staff Colony were in dilapidated state.
Most streets in the vicinity were worn out and narrow while concrete slabs were being used to cover up manholes, making it dangerous for both residents and commuters. Judging by their condition, re-carpeting, re-construction repairs of these roads seem long overdue.
Besides, the locals also claimed that over a month ago, several potholes on different streets near Shukrabad Kitchen Market and Shukrabad Central Mosque had caved in and exposing sewerage lines from beneath the road.
Later, city corporation authorities filled up these holes with sand and leveled the road, instead of clearing the sewerage line, they added.
Admitting to the poor condition of the roads and drains of these areas, Chief DSCC Zahangir Alam told the Dhaka Tribune: “Shukrabad, Indira road and Rajabazar does not fall under our jurisdiction. So, we have nothing to do here.”
However, maps of the jurisdictions of DSCC and DNCC, show on their website that Shukrabad, Tallabgh, Sobhanbagh Govt Staff Colony fall under DSCC. Moreover, the DSCC mosquito control field staffs and waste cleaners do continue to work in these areas.
When asked, DSCC Chief Engineer Jahangir Alam reiterated his previous statement and said: “I already told you, these areas do not fall under our areas. If you believe what the field staffs say, then go and ask them to solve these problems. Do not disturb me any more.”
Meanwhile, DSCC Chief Executive Officer Ansar Ali Khan said: “I suppose that only Shukrabad is under DSCC are, not Indira road and the adjoining areas.”
He also said he would collect information regarding this issue and discuss them with concerned officials.
“If the roads and drainage system in Shukrabad needed maintainance, we would have taken appropriate steps in this regard,” he said.
DNCC Chief Engineer Brig Gen Md Abul Khair told the Dhaka Tribune: “Most areas under Shukrabad area do fall under the DSCC and a small portion is under the DNCC.”
He also assured that he would investigate the problems and take necessary measures to put an end to them.
On November 29, 2011, the government divided the then Dhaka City Corporation into the two parts, namely DNCC and DSCC.
This move was, however, objected by city planners saying that the split would generate newer complications.
