No point splitting DCC

The Cabinet decision in favour of splitting the Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) is unlikely to be hailed by many for the simple reason that the arguments put forward to justify the move are mostly misplaced. Of all the reasons, according to those who are advocating a split, the most outstanding one concerns the inability of one setup of administration to ensure required services for the city's 14 million residents. No doubt, it will be seen as a lame excuse. The problem does not lie with the size of the city area or its inhabitants. At the core of an endemic tussle of power lies the old question of strengthening the local government. What matters most is to opt for a system of efficient city governance -- one that can deliver the goods for the residents. A Scandinavian think-tank interviewed 50 global experts to develop a set of principles for creating a sustainable city and the experts were unanimous that redefining city value, redistributing decision-making and setting a standard of corporate responsibility should figure at the top of the agenda. Redistribution of decision-making or devolution of power for the simple reason of making accountability a strong point can go a long way in improving service delivery. Taking such a major decision, moreover, without the opinions of its inhabitants makes no sense. Cities far larger than Dhaka have never thought of dividing the administrative setups. In some cities, the names are different such as boroughs and they are given enough power of self-governance. This does not however mean that the top mayoral position will have to be shared between peers. Then there are issues like protocol where more than one position are expected to give rise to a whole lot of problems. Creating embarrassment for one or the other at times of even attending routine functions beyond official duties is the last thing anyone will find enjoyable. Evidently, more caution is needed before going for such an arrangement. Political scientists, noted civil administrators and social workers could be consulted for their opinion on the matter. Their advice and suggestions could be enlightening. The proposed Dhaka North City Corporation and Dhaka South City Corporation will not give them the automatic choice for representing the city when it comes to negotiating with donors or financiers for any project covering the entire city. But in such matters it is advisable that the city is represented by its mayor -- a single one who can bargain for the interests of the entire area. Better it would be to strengthen the ward councils and delegate more responsibilities so that the elected representatives became accountable to the voters. This move -- splitting the DCC into two -- will send a wrong signal for several reasons. People would like to hear the announcement of election to the DCC and if, instead, they receive the news of splitting it into two, they will definitely react angrily. So it would be wise to abandon the plan of dividing the DCC.