Dividing Dhaka City Corporation not realistic

Syed Jamaluddin The government has decided to divide the Dhaka City Corporation into two entities for rendering better services to the residents of the city. But it has not explained in detail as to how improved services will be delivered. Doubts have been expressed by different quarters about the merits of the plan. Many writings have appeared in newspapers against the decision. There is hardly any report in favour of the proposal. The government decision has come to us as a surprise. There was apparently no prior consultation on this issue though the matter is of utmost importance to the city dwellers. Most of the residents are upset with the decision and have urged the government to reconsider the issue. There is no doubt that the city population is increasing and their problems are multiplying. Traffic jam is acute and supply of water and electricity are not adequate. Many areas are without sewerage facility. There is air and sound pollutions. Garbage is piling up in different parts of the city. The Dhaka city has a history of 400 years. People are proud of its heritage. Problems have to be properly analysed before finding out a solution. There are many big cities in the world where there are many problems but they have not thought of dividing the city for solution of the problems. In our case, the cabinet has taken a decision to divide the city corporation without perhaps any discussion or consultation. It is argued that if a referendum is held in Dhaka on the issue of dividing the city corporation, vast majority of the people is expected to vote against it. The city mayor and the ward commissioners have collectively opposed the proposed division of the city corporation. The opposition BNP has said that if voted to power, they will reverse the decision. It is argued that if Dhaka is divided, how Buriganga is going to be divided. Both old and new Dhaka shares a common heritage. There was a survey by the World Bank in 2005 in which it was recommended that Dhaka city was to be brought under a central administration in order to ensure public services. But nobody paid any attention to this recommendation. It may be mentioned that the former mayor of Dhaka City Corporation strongly pleaded for a city government. It is interesting to note that analysts, researchers and thinkers across the political divide have expressed their opinion against dividing the city. If Dhaka city is divided, many offices and organisations will have to be divided such as WASA, PDB, REB, Rajuk, Titas gas, Desco and so on. This will be a huge undertaking. The city corporation office and staff will also have to be divided. New officers and supporting staff will have to be appointed for the new offices. Business establishments will have to be divided in many cases. This exercise may create more problems rather than reducing them. Resources are the main constraints for service delivery by the city corporation. Dividing the corporation will not increase resources. In the present situation, there are problems of coordination between the different agencies and between the agencies and the government. These problems need to be addressed seriously. Making two city corporations will aggravate the situation. There is a need for decentralisation of many functions of the government. Such decentralisation will facilitate the work of the city corporation. Dividing the city corporation will only multiply the problems of coordination and management. The number of slum dwellers is increasing in the city causing dislocation to municipal services such as sewerage system and water supply. National level policy making is needed for rural development so that people get work locally and do not migrate to Dhaka city. Small and cottage industries may be developed locally to provide employment. This will reduce the pressure on the municipal services and make Dhaka liveable. Splitting Dhaka City Corporation is no solution. It needs structural reforms and institutional capacity to improve the quality of its services. The city corporation should be given autonomy but it should not embark on housing projects in order to avoid corruption. It should concentrate on municipal services. Government interference in the activities of the city corporation should be minimised. The main responsibility of the government would be to provide enough funds for the organisation. It is worth mentioning here that the division of the DCC will only increase expenditure and breed corruption, while the quality of services will go down. It will create anomaly in the administration. The rich heritage of Dhaka cannot be divided. Instead of dividing the DCC, it may be decentralised for better functioning with the aim of strengthening local government. The government is reportedly not holding DCC election for fear of losing the race. Elections in Chittagong and Narayanganj city corporations have confirmed that line of thinking of the government. The government will now have to worry about the general elections. Holding the election without BNP will be an option. Problems of the city corporation need to be looked into seriously. It has administrative and legal difficulties. It has lack of trained manpower. It has to be kept above party politics. Corruption in DCC is rampant. Deputy mayors may be appointed to assist the mayor in the efficient discharge of his duties. The decision taken may also backfire. It is unlikely that the division of the Dhaka City Corporation will ultimately bring any advantage to the government rather it would be wise to respect public opinion and reverse the decision. The writer is an economist and columnist and can be reached at email: syedjamaluddin22@yahoo.com