Newly appointed Dhaka North City Corporation administrator Mohammad Azaz on Monday announced various measures to keep waterlogging at a manageable level during the next monsoon season.
Speaking at a view-exchange meeting with journalists at Nagar Bhaban in Gulshan, Azaz, former chairman of non-government organisation River and Delta Research Centre, said that all canals in the capital would gradually be recovered.
鈥榃e hope waterlogging will remain at a tolerable level this year. However, it cannot be said that there would be no waterlogging at all,鈥� he said, adding that steps had already been taken to reclaim Haikkar Khal from encroachers and restore its connection with Lautola Canal.
Outlining three key priorities for DNCC, Azaz said that the first priority was democratic governance, ensuring public participation in development through hearings and activating the panchayat system.
鈥楽econdly, efforts will be made to protect the environment, and thirdly, ensuring justice in housing will be emphasised, as 40 per cent of the city鈥檚 population still lacks access to basic housing facilities,鈥� he added.
When asked about the playgrounds and parks being occupied by clubs, Azaz assured that all DNCC-managed spaces would be opened to the public.
In response to journalists鈥� queries, he pledged to take action on road repairs, improve mosquito control by fixing ineffective fogging machines, provide necessary devices in each ward to streamline birth registration, remove auto-rickshaws from main roads, and keep DNCC free from political influence.
The administrator also said that unauthorised banners and posters would be removed from main roads, with fines imposed on violators.
鈥楶VC banners will be completely banned due to their environmental impact,鈥� he added.
DNCC chief executive officer Abu Sayed Md Kamruzzaman and DNCC secretary Mohammed Masud Alam Siddique were also present at the event, among others.
