DNCC helpless for lack of sole authority

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) yesterday said it was unable to develop the Kakoli to Abdullahpur section of the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway although it fell under its purview as the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), responsible for construction and maintenance of the country's major roads, did not relinquish its authority over it.

“We could not knock down a dilapidated...concrete foot bridge. Neither could we conduct eviction drives (on land leased out by RHD) nor provide streetlights,” said DNCC Chief Engineer Brig Gen Syed Anwarul Islam.

RHD Additional Chief Engineer Abdus Salam justified that they were running different projects on it.

Mayor Annisul Huq threatened to stop cleaning the section if RHD declined handing over complete authority. “You will keep the full authority of the road to yourself and allow us for only cleaning the road, that will not work,” he said.

“Billboards are not allowed in the city corporation area. We will not let anyone damage the city's view. So if you give permission for billboards beside roads, we will dismantle it,” he added.

He however hoped that RHD would work jointly with DNCC for the sake of public interest.

The comments came at a coordination meeting DNCC organised with top officials of 26 government departments in the capital's Gulshan Centre Point. DNCC Chief Executive Officer Mesbahul Islam and councillors took part.

On plans centring roads for the next two years, DNCC said it would construct and repair 500 kilometres whereas Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority dig 1,500 kilometres.

“We are asking Wasa to inform us six months in advance before going for repairs. Otherwise, we will not give permission,” said Annisul, adding that people face trouble due to the lack of coordination among the organisations.

On DNCC seeking lands as the existing Aminbazar landfill would reach its maximum capacity in the next two years, Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salah Uddin proposed four spots.