Administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Abdus Salam has said that a long-term plan has been undertaken to improve the living standards of sanitation workers. As part of the initiative, 18 modern multi-storey residential buildings equipped with improved facilities will be constructed after demolishing old and risky structures.
At the same time, DSCC is working to ensure alternative housing during the construction period, resolve gas and water supply problems, and provide playgrounds and places of worship for children.
He made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing workers and local residents after visiting a sanitation workers’ residence in Dayaganj in the capital.
Referring to the dilapidated condition of the existing buildings, the DSCC administrator said the current structures were extremely risky. Before the new buildings are constructed, residents will be relocated to safer places.
“The sooner you cooperate, the sooner we will be able to complete the construction of modern housing facilities,” he said.
He added that proposals for constructing 18 multi-storey buildings in different colonies, including Miranjilla, Dhalpur, Ganaktuli, Dayaganj, Wari and Postogola, have already been sent to the ministry for approval. Work will begin soon after approval is granted.
Recognizing the contribution of sanitation workers, the DSCC administrator said all citizens would enjoy equal rights regardless of religion or ethnicity. Temples and playgrounds for children will also be included in the housing project.
He further said sanitation workers would be allowed to pay outstanding electricity bills in instalments, while initiatives would be taken for DSCC to pay their gas bills.
He also said sacrificial waste from the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha must be removed within eight hours. He announced special rewards for sanitation workers in recognition of good performance.
Speaking about keeping the city clean, the administrator said sanitation workers alone could not maintain cleanliness unless citizens became more aware.
“Waterlogging occurs because waste is dumped into drains and canals. City dwellers must act more responsibly in this regard,” he said.
During the visit, MP for Dhaka-7 Hamidur Rahman Hamid, local public representatives and senior DSCC officials were present.
