LGD proposes Tk 9.79b project for 18 DSCC wards

The Local Government Division (LGD) under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives has submitted a Tk 9.79-billion-project proposal to upgrade 123.53 kilometres of local roads in 18 wards that were incorporated into Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) in 2016, sources at the Planning Commission said.
The Physical Infrastructure Division of the Planning Commission recently held a meeting of the Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) to review the proposal. The committee decided to recommend the project for approval, subject to the incorporation of several observations and revisions.
According to a senior official, the proposal earmarks Tk 9.06 billion -- about 92.53 per cent of the total allocation -- for the development of roads and drains. However, the development project proposal (DPP) does not include detailed designs, drawings, unit costs or the basis of the cost estimates.
"The PEC has recommended that detailed cost calculations, unit cost breakdowns, and relevant designs and drawings be incorporated into the DPP before it is resubmitted," the official said.
The committee also raised concerns over the proposed costs, which include Tk 49.7 million per kilometre for roads, Tk 25.1 million per kilometre for drains, and Tk 90,000 per streetlight along with related works.
The PEC described the estimates as high and asked the LGD to provide justification and supporting data to ensure cost efficiency.
An LGD official said that around 360.65 kilometres -- nearly 60 per cent -- of the 602.37 kilometres of roads in the 18 wards are still earthen and in poor condition, while 241.72 kilometres have been developed under earlier projects.
He added that the lack of an adequate drainage system has been causing persistent waterlogging, with even light rainfall creating serious inconvenience for residents.
According to the proposal, the project aims to improve the road network in the newly added wards, reduce waterlogging, ease traffic congestion, enhance traffic management, and improve overall living standards, including safer and more convenient pedestrian movement.
The proposal also notes that Dhaka, with a population of nearly 20 million, is one of the world's most densely populated cities and continues to face mounting challenges such as traffic congestion, environmental degradation and rising road accidents.
In 2016, the boundaries of Dhaka North and Dhaka South city corporations were expanded, with eight unions added to each. The unions integrated into DSCC are Shyampur, Matuail, Demra, Dhania, Sarulia, Dakshingaon, Nasirabad and Manda.
The PEC has further recommended the inclusion of a clear project management framework, detailed technical specifications and cost bases for all major components.
It also asked for a coordinated utility relocation plan with no-objection certificates from relevant agencies, environmental clearance from the Department of Environment, and an exit plan outlining post-project operation and maintenance arrangements.

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