Staff Reporter :
Aiming to ensure transparency and accountability, the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) will publish information on all its projects on its official website, announced Administrator Mohammad Azaz on Monday.
He made the statement while serving as the chief guest at the inauguration and public hearing for development works in Ward 14 of DNCC.
The works include the construction of four kilometres of road, five kilometres of drainage system, and 1.5 kilometres of footpaths in the West Shewrapara, West Kazipara, and Senpara Parbata areas.
Azaz stated that the start and completion dates, budget allocations, and details of construction materials for every DNCC project will be made publicly available. “When people have access to project information, they will be able to raise questions about development activities, ensuring greater accountability,” he said.
The DNCC administrator also shared that during a recent surprise inspection in Ward 42 of East Dhaka, he discovered evidence of irregularities in construction works. He pointed out that a lack of public awareness about construction materials creates opportunities for corruption.
As an example, he said: “Although stone pillars were specified for retaining walls, bricks were used instead, which is a serious irregularity.”
Azaz further stated that the contractor responsible for using substandard materials has been warned, and no payments will be made unless the materials are replaced with proper ones.
“We will provide residents with the necessary information and support to verify development works in their areas,” he said, adding that contractors’ contact information will also be published online alongside project details to enable locals to monitor specifications. “We want development efforts to be completed with everyone’s participation.”
During the public hearing, Azaz mentioned that DNCC is working in collaboration with local social and cultural organizations. He added: “Apart from in-person hearings, we also engage with Bangladeshis abroad through monthly Facebook Live sessions.”
Addressing the issue of the DNCC’s Shobar Dhaka app, Azaz said that if the previous administration fails to hand over the password for the Tk 4 crore app, legal measures will be taken to retrieve it.
On the matter of street vendors, he said: “Street vendors at the Mirpur 10 roundabout are obstructing pedestrian movement. People’s right to move freely comes first. Hawkers and unauthorized autorickshaws will be removed from the streets.
Alternative arrangements will be made to rehabilitate those involved in informal professions.”
Following the event, Azaz inaugurated the construction work and participated in a prayer session.
