DSCC canal works get economic nod

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved a series of proposals to facilitate the implementation of canal restoration and beautification works under a Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) project through direct procurement from Dockyard and Engineering Works Limited of the Bangladesh Navy.

The approval came at a meeting of the committee after it reviewed seven separate proposals submitted by the Local Government Division.

The proposals concern different work packages under the ongoing “Canal Restoration, Rehabilitation and Beautification Environment Creation (1st Revised)” project being implemented by DSCC.

According to officials, the project is aimed at restoring and rehabilitating canals in the capital to improve water flow, enhance drainage capacity, reduce waterlogging and create a cleaner and more attractive urban environment.

The Local Government Division sought policy-level approval from the committee to procure the works directly from Dockyard and Engineering Works Limited rather than through the conventional competitive tendering process.

After examining the proposals, the committee recommended granting policy approval for all seven work packages, paving the way for their implementation under the revised project.

The canal restoration initiative is considered one of DSCC’s major urban infrastructure programmes, focusing on recovering encroached and degraded waterways that play a crucial role in the city’s drainage network.

Authorities believe the rehabilitation and beautification works will contribute to improving environmental conditions, strengthening water management systems and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of urban areas within the capital.

Officials said engaging the Bangladesh Navy’s Dockyard and Engineering Works Limited through direct procurement is expected to support the timely execution of the specialised works and help accelerate progress under the project.

The approved packages form part of broader efforts by DSCC to modernise urban infrastructure, improve canal connectivity and address long-standing challenges related to drainage congestion and waterlogging in Dhaka.