Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md Abdus Salam on Wednesday said a long-term plan has been undertaken to improve the living standards of sanitation workers, including the construction of 18 modern multi-storey residential buildings by replacing old and risky structures.
At the same time, DSCC is working to ensure alternative accommodation during the construction period, resolve gas and water supply problems, and provide playgrounds and places of worship for children and residents, he said.
The DSCC administrator made the remarks while addressing sanitation workers and local residents after visiting the sanitation workers’ housing colony at Dayaganj in the capital on Wednesday afternoon.
Referring to the dilapidated condition of the existing buildings, Abdus Salam said the current structures are highly risky and residents would be relocated to safer places before demolition and reconstruction work begins.
“The faster you cooperate, the sooner we will be able to complete the construction of modern housing facilities,” he added.
He said plans for constructing 18 multi-storey buildings in different colonies, including Mironzilla, Dhalpur, Ganaktuli, Dayaganj, Wari and Postogola, have already been sent to the ministry for approval.
Work will begin soon after approval is obtained, he said.
Regarding utility bills, he said sanitation workers would be allowed to pay outstanding electricity bills in instalments while DSCC would take initiatives to pay gas bills on their behalf.
Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, he directed sanitation workers to remove sacrificial waste within eight hours and announced special rewards for good performance.
Calling for greater public awareness, Abdus Salam said maintaining a clean city would not be possible through sanitation workers alone unless citizens acted responsibly.
“Waterlogging occurs mainly because people dump waste into drains and canals. City dwellers must become more responsible in this regard,” he said.
MP for Dhaka-7 Hamidur Rahman Hamid, local public representatives and senior DSCC officials were present during the visit.