Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has sought a special allocation of Tk 210 crore from the Prime Minister’s Office, citing a severe funding shortfall that has stalled key drainage and road rehabilitation projects in the capital.
In a letter sent in April, DSCC Administrator Md Abul Kalam Azad Salam requested the PMO to approve funding for three development projects, as the city corporation struggles to carry out essential works in several waterlogging-prone and congested areas.
The PMO has recently instructed the concerned wing of the Planning Commission to review the request and take necessary steps, according to official correspondence.
According to DSCC’s proposal, areas including New Market, BGB headquarters zone, Dhakeshwari Temple, BUET, Dhaka Education Board and Bakshibazar suffer from severe waterlogging during the monsoon due to a lack of effective drainage outlets and adequate drainage networks.
Even light rainfall leads to significant disruption for residents and commuters.
The city corporation said it is unable to implement necessary infrastructure works due to insufficient internal funds.
Under the proposal, Tk 120 crore has been sought for constructing an 8.43-kilometre master drainage line from New Market and the BGB area to Nawabganj sluice gate to address waterlogging.
A further Tk 60 crore has been requested for a 3.46-kilometre drainage line from Dhakeshwari Temple through Dhaka Education Board, BUET, Bakshibazar and Chawkbazar to Sadarghat.
An additional Tk 30 crore has been sought for repairing around 20 kilometres of major roads across 10 DSCC zones.
Following the request, Director (Administration) of the Prime Minister’s Office Shahariar Jamal on 22 May sent a letter to the Member (Secretary) of the Planning Commission’s Physical Infrastructure Division, directing that the matter be reviewed and necessary action taken.
Earlier on 4 March, DSCC Administrator Md Abul Kalam Azad Salam said after a meeting with the prime minister that revenue collection had fallen below expectations in recent months, pushing the city corporation into a financial crunch.
He also criticised previous administrative decisions, saying large-scale work orders had been issued without adequate planning. “If those projects were fully implemented, the city corporation would effectively collapse,” he said.
