Dream of an improved Dhaka

Over a month has elapsed since the two new Dhaka mayors took oath of office. Putting all uncomfortable questions aside, the city dwellers may have consoled themselves saying: the young and apparently energetic mayors have promised a better Dhaka; let's see how they deliver.

Many of us have been reminded of the old adage, "Morning shows the day." It's 'morning' in the two city corporations in Dhaka. However, to our despair, signs are yet to be there from which we can have a glimpse of what the day will be like. In fact, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) keep plodding along with their must-do burdens of promises. Little signs are there that they will swing into action any time soon. Dustbins are overflowing with garbage on busy roads, in residential areas, near upscale markets and eateries. Hawkers keep digging in their heels on footpaths. The law enforcers do evict them, only to see the ubiquitous street-side traders come back with their full might. A cat-and-mouse game of sorts was played out between police and vendors in Gulistan area in the capital the other day. However, some sidewalks have been cleared of squatters, and impromptu kitchen markets dismantled. But in many areas, they are blatantly in place. So much so that a slum could grab media attention after a blaze occurred there.

How long does it take for our city corporations to arrange a few bulldozers to mow down ramshackle dwelling shelters and illegal structures on government plots? In the recent past, when the city corporations had administrators as heads, operations to evict shanties were carried out several times. What could be the reason for the mayors' feet dragging in street-side hawker and slum people's eviction appears to be a quandary. Maybe, the DSCC and the DNCC are busy getting fully prepared in terms of necessary technical back-up and manpower before they begin to act. Adequate government funds are also a prerequisite. But taking too much time for warm-up might make a mess of all the lofty plans.

The Dhaka city dwellers have had enough of their woes. In short, they have reached the end of their tethers. With the passing of a single day, newer traumas add to the urban miseries. The speed-breakers in the DSCC area are getting fresh coating of black-and-white colours. Rotten branches of hundred-year-old trees are being cut off along roads for public safety. The DNCC authorities have announced their plan to install close-circuit cameras at road intersections. Also it was nice to see the DNCC mayor at the venue of soil-subsiding near a hotel at Kawranbazar in the city.  All these things bode well for us. They will definitely add to Dhaka's urban beauty.

But the urgent jobs like freeing Dhaka of roadside garbage heaps and vendors, and also of the fast-rising street dogs, ought to begin right now. Or else, people's patience will start wearing thin. The two city corporation authorities can ill afford to dabble in their serious tasks.

shihabskr@ymail.com