Action if waste collection fee exceeds Tk100: DSCC administrator

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam on Wednesday warned that action will be taken against contractors if they charge more than the fixed Tk100 fee for door-to-door household waste collection.

He made the remarks while addressing a special cleanliness and mosquito control crash programme as the chief guest at Shahidnagar Crematorium area in Lalbagh.

Member of Parliament from Dhaka-7 constituency Hamidur Rahman Hamid was present as a special guest.

As part of a month-long special cleanliness and crash programme initiated by DSCC to tackle the recent surge in mosquito infestation, the drive was conducted in Ward No-24 of DSCC. The operation, which began at 3pm, saw the participation of around 200 workers from DSCC’s waste management and health departments.

During the drive, workers cleaned canals, drains, sewers and footpaths, alongside applying mosquito control chemicals. A public awareness rally was also held with the participation of local residents.

In his inaugural speech, Administrator Abdus Salam said, “If anyone demands more than the fixed Tk100 as waste collection fee, inform the city corporation. If the allegation is proven, the contract of the concerned waste collection contractor will be cancelled.”

He also announced that, following the Prime Minister’s directives, the registration fee for burial at DSCC graveyards and cremation at crematoriums has been reduced from Tk1,000 to Tk500.

Calling upon BNP leaders, activists and the general public to cooperate with the city corporation, he said Dhaka is the face of Bangladesh, and visitors from around the world judge the country by seeing the capital. “Therefore, Dhaka must be kept clean and liveable. The Prime Minister has emphasised the ‘Clean Dhaka, Green Dhaka’ programme,” he said.

Referring to Old Dhaka as the original Dhaka, the administrator said DSCC wants Old Dhaka to become the most developed area of the South City, with properly functioning streetlights, regular waste clearance and effective mosquito control.

Speaking about party leaders and activists, he said many people have suffered over the past 17 years—some have lost their businesses, homes or even become disabled. “Just as allowances are being provided to those who participated in the July movement, efforts will be made to systematically arrange support for affected families through discussions with the Prime Minister,” he added.

Among others, DSCC Chief Waste Management Officer Air Commodore Md Mahabubur Rahman Talukder, Chief Health Officer Dr Jahane Ferdous, departmental heads and local leaders were present at the programme.