DSCC considers scrapping waste system

A major policy shift in Dhaka’s urban waste management system is under consideration as the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has warned that the existing household waste collection mechanism may be abolished next year if residents continue to face inadequate services.

The warning was issued on Wednesday by DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam while speaking at a programme held at the Nagar Bhaban auditorium, where special Eid grants from the Prime Minister were distributed among sanitation workers.

Salam said the corporation has received multiple complaints regarding the ward-based tender system currently used for household waste collection under the Dhaka South City Corporation. He noted that in several areas waste is not being collected on time, while in others residents have alleged excessive charges. “Whether the current system will continue next year is being seriously considered,” he added.

At the event, a total of 4,950 sanitation workers received Tk 5,000 each as a special Eid assistance grant, distributed in recognition of their services.

Speaking as chief guest at the programme held at the Nagar Bhaban auditorium, Abdus Salam described sanitation work as one of the most challenging and essential public services carried out by city corporation staff.

He stressed that improvements in civic behaviour and worker commitment could transform the capital’s condition within the next two years. “If citizens remain conscious and sanitation workers continue their sincere efforts, it will be possible to transform the face of Dhaka within the next two years,” he said, urging both sanitation workers and media professionals to play a stronger role in public awareness on cleanliness.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the effectiveness of the current household waste management arrangement, he reiterated that the DSCC is actively reviewing the system’s performance and sustainability.

Salam also thanked sanitation workers for their swift response in clearing sacrificial animal waste during this year’s Eid-ul-Azha, saying their prompt action helped prevent foul odours and earned public appreciation.

On welfare measures, he said a housing project for sanitation workers is currently under process. He added that 1,000 sanitation workers have already been issued health cards, with plans to gradually expand coverage to 6,000 workers.

The DSCC administrator further announced that the city corporation will support the higher education of sanitation workers’ children, aiming to ensure that financial hardship does not hinder academic progress.

“Building a clean Dhaka is not the responsibility of the city corporation alone; it is also the responsibility of citizens. Through collective efforts, we can make the capital a cleaner and more liveable city,” he said.

Among others present at the programme were DSCC Chief Executive Officer Md Zahirul Islam and Chief Waste Management Officer Air Commodore Md Mahabubur Rahman Talukdar, along with senior officials of the corporation.