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Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam has warned that the current contractor-led household waste collection system will be scrapped if operators fail to comply with regulations.
He made the remarks on Saturday (July 4) while taking part in a special cleanliness drive organised in the Shantinagar market area of the capital to mark “Cleaning Day.”
The administrator said the city corporation has received numerous complaints against contractors responsible for collecting household waste, including irregular waste collection and demanding excessive fees from residents.
“If the contractors fail to perform their duties properly and continue to harass residents, no further tenders will be awarded under the existing system,” he said.
“If necessary, the current contracts will be cancelled and an alternative waste collection system will be introduced. However, if the contractors improve their services and the public is satisfied, the existing arrangement will continue. Otherwise, the city corporation will be compelled to take strict action,” he added.
Addressing city residents, Abdus Salam said Dhaka’s position among the world’s 10 most polluted cities was a matter of concern and embarrassment.
“Keeping the city clean is not only the responsibility of the city corporation but also of every resident,” he said.
Emphasising the need to raise public awareness, he said significant progress had been made over the past few months and that continued collective efforts could help protect the city from worsening air pollution.
He also stressed the importance of tree plantation to maintain environmental balance, saying Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been encouraging efforts to build a “Clean Dhaka, Green Dhaka” since assuming office. He urged residents to keep their homes, surroundings and adjacent roads clean.
Issuing a stern warning to business owners, the administrator said markets must be kept clean at all times and waste must not be dumped indiscriminately.
He said every market would be provided with designated waste bins, where garbage must be disposed of at scheduled times for collection by city corporation workers.
DSCC Chief Executive Officer Md Zahirul Islam, Secretary Zainal Abedin and local leaders, among others, attended the programme.
A public awareness rally was brought out from Shantinagar Market after the cleanliness drive to mark “Cleaning Day”, concluding on VIP Road.
