15 Nov deadline set for septic tank, soak well construction

Buildings under the jurisdiction of the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) must begin construction of septic tanks and soak wells in accordance with approved designs by 15 November, failing which legal action will be taken under the Building Construction Act and Dhaka Metropolitan Building Construction Rules.

The decision was taken at a meeting of a technical committee formed to address lake pollution and ensure environmentally sound management of water bodies under RAJUK’s jurisdiction at the Secretariat on Wednesday (28 October).

The committee also decided to provide the relevant housing societies with a list of 1,269 buildings served with final notices to construct septic tanks, soak wells and sewage treatment plants (STPs).

Structural designs for septic tanks and soak wells must be approved by RAJUK, which will have to dispose of applications within three days of receipt.

Failure to meet the deadline will result in legal action under the Building Construction Act and the Dhaka Metropolitan Building Construction Rules.

The meeting discussed lake pollution, identifying pollution sources, improving water quality, waste and sewage management, and coordinating efforts among relevant agencies to protect the ecological balance of the capital’s lakes.

State Minister for Housing and Public Works Ahammad Sohel Monzoor, RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md Riazul Islam and representatives of Dhaka North City Corporation and housing societies, including Gulshan, Baridhara, Banani and Niketan, attended the meeting.