Key highlights:
- A significant effort has been made in urban planning and safety with the installation of 55,673 LED streetlights
- A budget of 535.32 crore taka has been allocated for various infrastructure developments in seven ADB-financed projects for the fiscal year 2022-23
- Dhanmondi Lake has undergone development, and a 20-storey foundation and an 8-storey women’s college building have been constructed
- Collaborative initiatives between the Dhaka South City Corporation and Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority have resulted in the launch of “Bus Route Rationalization”
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) was established as one of the two municipal corporations in Dhaka when the former Dhaka City Corporation underwent division. This division took place following the approval of the Local Government (City Corporation) Amendment Bill 2011 on 29 November 2011, which was subsequently passed in the Parliament of Bangladesh.
Comprising 57 wards, Dhaka South City Corporation also includes several Standing Committees and other Committees designed to oversee and guide the organization’s diverse activities. These committees operate for 2 years and 6 months, after which new committees are required to be established.Top of Form
Several projects aimed at improving civic services, such as road, footpath, and drainage system development, have been completed. Ongoing projects and those in the approval process seek to meet residents’ needs effectively. Urgent repairs for damaged roads due to heavy rainfall and various reasons have been carried out using asphalt plants and mixed materials.
Expert Opinion
Can you provide an overview of the major milestones and achievements that Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has experienced since its establishment in 2011?
To foster further development in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), it’s essential to focus on various aspects of urban planning, infrastructure, social services, and environmental sustainability. Here are some suggestions:
Invest in the improvement of roads, bridges, and public transportation to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance connectivity. Upgrade and maintain drainage systems to prevent flooding during the monsoon season.Encourage recycling initiatives and educate residents about waste segregation and responsible disposal. Improve healthcare facilities and services to ensure the well-being of the population.
Integrate smart city technologies to enhance efficiency in various services, such as traffic management, waste collection, and public safety. Involve the community in decision-making processes to ensure that development initiatives align with the needs and aspirations of residents.
Pro vice chancellor
Islami Arbi university
Besides government funding, Dhaka South City Corporation independently funds projects for road and traffic infrastructure, solid waste transfer stations (STS), parks, playgrounds, social event centers, marketplaces, staff quarters, sanitation workers’ housing, street electrification, city buildings, cemeteries, cremation ground, and more. The focus is on both maintenance and development.
Dhaka South City Corporation is actively implementing the “Dhaka Integrated Megacity Master Plan (2020-2050)” for sustainable development. The plan aligns with all approved relevant plans, and ongoing work on time-bound and well-structured planning is expected to conclude by 2023. Additionally, a budget of 535.32 crore taka has been allocated for various infrastructure developments in seven ADB-financed projects for the fiscal year 2022-23.
Dhaka South City Corporation’s 15-Year Triumph in Urban Excellence
The city has undertaken extensive infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction and development of roads covering a total distance of 1721.94 km. Additionally, Sewage Construction and Development projects have been implemented, covering a distance of 1417.38 km. The initiative also involves the construction and reconstruction of footpaths, totaling 335.67 km.
Furthermore, a significant effort has been made in urban planning and safety with the installation of 55,673 LED street lights. Existing infrastructure, such as 28-foot bridges and 1 underpass, has undergone maintenance and development. Additionally, measures like zebra crossings, road markings, on-street parking, and the construction of 40 passenger shelters/bus stops have been implemented to enhance the safety of city dwellers.
The city is actively managing traffic flow and transportation systematically and efficiently. This includes the construction of five foot-over bridges, a flyover connecting Palashi to Jatrabari, the development of 18 intersections, and the construction of 57 police boxes. Dhanmondi Lake has undergone development, and a 20-storey foundation and an 8-storey women’s college building have been constructed.
A focus on elevating living conditions in the city is evident through the construction of nine buildings dedicated to sanitation workers. Ongoing efforts extend to the establishment of three new community centers, the renovation of two existing ones, and the initiation of seven new construction projects. Notably, religious structures, namely a mosque and a temple, have also been completed.
To address sanitation needs, the city has built 37 public toilets and completed 10 renovations, with 19 ongoing public toilet construction projects. Parks, playgrounds, and modern amenities have been developed, including 17 completed parks, three ongoing parks, and 10 completed playgrounds with two ongoing projects. A modern crematorium has been completed, and another is in progress. Graveyards and E-waste transfer centers have also been part of the development agenda.
The city has acquired 50.00 acres for the expansion of the Matuail Landfill and plans to generate power from waste. Resource Recovery Facilities (RRF) are being established on a total of 31,090.9 acres for ongoing development work. Waste and poly disposal from 2020 to 2023 included the disposal of 16,00,944 tons of waste and poly from canal and box culvert cleaning.
Canal excavation and restoration projects have been initiated in four locations (Kalunagar, Jirani, Manda, and Shyampur). Ongoing efforts include canal cleaning, excavation, and the creation of recreational environments with walkways, playgrounds, and children’s parks. The city aims to increase drainage capacity, ensuring a clean and pollution-free environment through canal development projects. Embankment fencing work spanning nearly 15 km has been completed. Waste disposal and poly disposal from various canals within the waste management division of Dhaka South City Corporation amount to 42,138.54 tons and 41,841.01 tons, respectively.Top of Form
South City’s Medium-Term Agenda Gains Traction
In a comprehensive development plan encompassing 75 wards, a total of 42 new social center construction projects have gained approval. These include 24 refurbished centers in older areas and 18 newly established centers. Additionally, there are plans for five new regional offices to enhance civic services in the recently added 18 wards, bringing the total number of regional offices to seven, with two located in the older areas.
Ongoing feasibility studies and initiatives are in place to restore the Buriganga Channel, spanning from Old Dhaka to Kamarangirchar, aligning with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s vision. Development endeavors at the Sayedabad Bus Terminal are concentrating on internal infrastructure, water drainage enhancement, and effective management.
Collaborative initiatives between the Dhaka South City Corporation and Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority have resulted in the launch of “Bus Route Rationalization” with four routes (21, 22, 23, 26), aiming to significantly address urban transportation issues.
In conclusion, Dhaka South City Corporation’s journey toward urban greatness becomes evident as these innovative plans take shape, showcasing its steadfast commitment to constructing a future that is sustainable, lively, and welcoming for its diverse community.
