DCC needs to improve its performance
Monday, 28 December 2009
Irfan Aziz
Entrusted with the responsibility of solving problems of city life and creating civic amenities, Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) has undeniable importance. It faces the challenge of tackling the problems of Dhaka, one of the top 10 cities of the world in population.
The DCC is responsible for the management of Dhaka's city life. But the daily experience of people here makes it clear that this key urban body has been failing in its tasks and responsibilities. The growing problems of the city and the inability of the city corporation to tackle them make life miserable for the citizens. A recent FE report detailed how the city corporation failed to avail World Bank (WB) funding for a number of projects, which could improve city life in Dhaka.
The planning department of the city corporation needs competent personnel. The performance of the city corporation cannot improve unless its top functionaries are honest. Rent-seeking functionaries, it is alleged, delay approval and implementation of projects. Bidders do not get work unless their palms are greased. Donors withdrew funds for several projects due to delays in implementation, which add to the cost. Timely completion can improve life and living in the city.
The city corporation has also been failing in its routine work. Inefficient waste disposal creates unhygienic condition almost everywhere in the city. It speaks of the gross underperformance by the city corporation. The city corporation's complaints that it is unable to carry out its routine functions due to insufficiency of resources do not hold good. Stock taking will show that it has the resources to do what it needs to do. Actually, corruption and lack of commitment of its employees are responsible for the failures. Without a system in place and personnel accountability, no one expect the performance of the city corporation to improve.
The DCC must take the steps to improve its performance to tackle the mounting problems faced by the people of Dhaka, without further delay.
The mayor of Dhaka, owes it to the people of the city who elected him.
Entrusted with the responsibility of solving problems of city life and creating civic amenities, Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) has undeniable importance. It faces the challenge of tackling the problems of Dhaka, one of the top 10 cities of the world in population.
The DCC is responsible for the management of Dhaka's city life. But the daily experience of people here makes it clear that this key urban body has been failing in its tasks and responsibilities. The growing problems of the city and the inability of the city corporation to tackle them make life miserable for the citizens. A recent FE report detailed how the city corporation failed to avail World Bank (WB) funding for a number of projects, which could improve city life in Dhaka.
The planning department of the city corporation needs competent personnel. The performance of the city corporation cannot improve unless its top functionaries are honest. Rent-seeking functionaries, it is alleged, delay approval and implementation of projects. Bidders do not get work unless their palms are greased. Donors withdrew funds for several projects due to delays in implementation, which add to the cost. Timely completion can improve life and living in the city.
The city corporation has also been failing in its routine work. Inefficient waste disposal creates unhygienic condition almost everywhere in the city. It speaks of the gross underperformance by the city corporation. The city corporation's complaints that it is unable to carry out its routine functions due to insufficiency of resources do not hold good. Stock taking will show that it has the resources to do what it needs to do. Actually, corruption and lack of commitment of its employees are responsible for the failures. Without a system in place and personnel accountability, no one expect the performance of the city corporation to improve.
The DCC must take the steps to improve its performance to tackle the mounting problems faced by the people of Dhaka, without further delay.
The mayor of Dhaka, owes it to the people of the city who elected him.