Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said Dhaka's long-standing civic problems cannot be resolved permanently and effectively unless the city corporations are transformed into full-fledged "governments" or city governments.
He said the city corporations need to become self-governing bodies capable of coordinating and controlling the activities of other departments and service agencies necessary for Dhaka's development.
"Unless this is done, it will not be possible to resolve the long-standing problems of this megacity effectively," he said.
The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled "Urban Waste Management: My, Your and Everyone's Responsibility" at Dhaka North City Corporation's Nagar Bhaban today (15 July).
Fakhrul said one of the main reasons behind Dhaka's problems is the lack of coordination among different agencies involved in urban management.
He said city corporations, Rajuk, Wasa, power authorities, road agencies and other institutions work separately, creating inconsistencies in planning and implementation and increasing public suffering.
"This is a Herculean task. Dhaka cannot be transformed overnight. There are numerous institutional barriers. A decision by the city corporation alone will not be enough; all relevant agencies must work toward the same goal," he said.
Referring to road digging during the monsoon, the minister said different agencies often begin development work during the rainy season because project funds are released at that time.
Before one agency completes its work, another cuts the same road, he said, describing it as a clear example of lack of coordination.
Alongside infrastructure development, Fakhrul stressed the need for public awareness in urban management.
He said city corporation initiatives alone would not be enough to build a clean and liveable city; changes in citizens' behaviour are also essential.
"We have to develop the sense that I must keep my own place clean. If we do not throw waste on the roads ourselves and discourage others from doing so, keeping the city clean will become much easier," he said.
The minister also said children should be taught cleanliness, waste management and civic responsibility from primary school and kindergarten level.
He said the media, billboards, leaflets and public awareness campaigns are also needed to build a social movement on the issue.
Fakhrul identified encroachment on canals and obstruction of natural water flow as among the key reasons behind waterlogging in Dhaka.
Many canals in the capital have been filled up and illegal occupation continues in many areas, he said.
"It will be difficult to reduce waterlogging unless the remaining canals are restored and river encroachment is stopped," he said.
The minister also expressed concern over pollution in the Turag, Buriganga and Shitalakkhya rivers.
He said, "Water of the Buriganga was once clear, but pollution and waste have now severely damaged the river's environment."
"Restoring these rivers would also help ensure a better environment and water security for the capital," he added.
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