Waste removal remains top priority: Dhaka South administrator

Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md Abdus Salam today (17 June) said that rapid waste removal has become their top priority while mosquito control activities continue.

“Sanitation workers perform the most difficult and demanding jobs within the city corporation. If citizens remain conscious and sanitation workers continue their dedicated efforts, it will be possible to transform the face of Dhaka within the next two years,” he said.

Salam was addressing a ceremony at the Nagar Bhaban auditorium, where special Eid grants from the prime minister were distributed among sanitation workers on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. A total of 4,950 workers received Tk5,000 each under the special assistance programme.

He also urged media professionals to play an active role in raising public awareness.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the household waste collection system, Salam said numerous complaints have been received regarding the ward-based tender system currently in place.

Waste is not being collected on schedule in some areas, while residents in others have complained about excessive charges, he added.

“The continuation of the existing system next year is under serious consideration. If citizens do not receive the expected level of service, a new system may be introduced,” he said.

The administrator also thanked sanitation workers for removing sacrificial animal waste within a short period during Eid-ul-Adha, noting that the swift clean-up earned widespread appreciation.

Assuring improvements in housing and healthcare facilities for sanitation workers, Salam said a housing project for the workers is currently being processed. He added that health cards have already been issued to 1,000 sanitation workers, with plans to expand the programme to cover 6,000 workers.

He also announced that the city corporation would support the higher education of sanitation workers’ children so that they are not deprived of educational opportunities due to financial hardship.

“Building a clean Dhaka is not solely the responsibility of the city corporation; it is also the responsibility of citizens. Through collective efforts, we can make the capital cleaner and more liveable,” he said.