Big challenges lie ahead for the two new Mayors of Dhaka with the monsoons approaching coupled with anxiety of dengue, waterlogging, and the ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.
Various development works in the two city corporations of Dhaka including road, canal and sewerage development, have come to a halt due to the coronavirus situation.
City dwellers will have to suffer a lot if the works are not completed before the monsoons, experts said.
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Atiqul Islam and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh have taken charge amid the crises.
City experts say the two mayors will face difficulties in controlling dengue, repairing dug up roads, waste management, cleanliness, traffic congestion and the removal of waterlogging during the time.
It will also be a new challenge for them to stand by the people of the capital who are in financial crisis due to the Coronavirus, and create employment and build a livable city by reducing various pollutions.
Experts have suggested that the two corporations make proper use of their own powers as well as emphasize on integrated planning for urban development in coordination with other agencies.
About three and a half months after the election of the two city corporations of Dhaka, Atiqul Islam took over the charge as DNCC Mayor on Wednesday (May 13) and Fazle Noor Taposh as DSCC Mayor on Saturday (May 16).
Elections to the DNCC and DSCC were held on February 1 when Awami League candidates Atiqul and Taposh won the mayoral posts. They took oath on February 27.
In the election manifesto, Mayor Taposh announced five outlines promising to revive the heritage of Dhaka. These five outlines are Tradition of Dhaka, Beautiful Dhaka, Moving Dhaka, Good Governed Dhaka and Improved Dhaka. He also mentioned a 30-year plan.
On the other hand, Atiqul Islam promised to build a “modern, dynamic and healthy” Dhaka in his election manifesto.
He also promised year-round mosquito eradication, modern waste management, safe city, pollution-free city, modern transport system, safe roads, app-based citizen’s problem solving, online services and smart city. Now, it is their turn to implement them.
According to experts and urban planners, mayors have to take effective steps in implementing their promises. Besides,
integrated planning is needed for urban development. Region-based planning should be undertaken to ensure access to services and development of the people.
In this regard, General Secretary of Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) Dr Adil Mohammad Khan told Bangladesh Post, “The Dhaka, before coronavirus the pandemic and recent situation is not the same. Apart from the pandemic, two mayors have to take on the issues of dengue, waterlogging, road digging activities and others. There are many structural limitations in the performance of the responsibilities of the city corporation, the interests of the people must be given priority.”
As many other utility provider organizations are involved, the city corporations alone cannot do much, he said.
Dr Adil said, “To overcome waterlogging, reduction of traffic jam and development of public transport, the two mayors should complete stuck up development activities as soon as possible. Besides, the mayor has to do a lot to give relief to the people.”
“Moreover, the two mayors will face a big challenge of mosquito control. They should also give priority in this regard. In the past, the mayors of the two cities have struggled to prevent dengue,” he added.
Architect and urban development expert Iqbal Habib said, “Apart from mayors, councilors must be engaged to combat the ongoing situation. Regional plans should be taken up and allocation should be given to the councilors as required.”
However, it has always been seen that councils are not given importance, he said, adding that health care for the people of the city should be emphasized in the post-Coronavirus period.
He also said, “Blocked drains, canals should be cleaned and development activities (road digging) should be completed. It is also necessary to check whether the building is safe or not. Environmentally friendly pollution free public transport should be introduced for public movement and proper management of solid and liquid waste should be done.”