Living in Dhaka city is becoming more adverse every day. One of the common complaints is that of the traffic situation which drags us down. Commuting has become a nightmare for the citizens and VIP movement is perhaps feared more than ghosts. If you have some place to be, it is safe to start an hour and half ahead to ensure that you reach your destination on time. To add to the woes of the people, construction materials blocking the roads and pavements are an added nuisance. The residents of the Mogbazar, Banglamotor, Eskaton Garden and nearby areas suffered greatly with the ongoing construction of the flyover bridge for about four years now with the bridges finally inaugurated for public use last year. Now the residents of Eskaton are facing another hindrance in their everyday commute. Constructions of government quarters are underway for the last couple of months for the purpose of providing housing for secretaries and additional secretaries, said a worker at the site. The contractors are blocking two parallel roads with bricks, cement, rods and other construction materials and equipments, almost half of the roads has been encroached upon, causing inconvenience to public. Not only that, a connecting road for the two parallel roads has become completely impracticable for public use. Commuters are forced to take detours since using the roads inside the government colony are also not allowed. Adding to the despair is the debris of buildings materials. Dumping of debris and construction materials on pavement and roadside has become commonplace in the locality, highlighting negligent attitude of the builders.

The dumping of construction waste and storing materials on roadside or pavements is not limited to Eskaton and nearby areas. Any big construction project around the city poses the same problem. Think back to the construction of Bashundhara City shopping mall. For almost five years, the residents of Panthapath and nearby areas suffered for building materials on the roads and of course the residue debris. Does this indicate that the authorities and stakeholders are failing to uphold the laws in place?

According to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police ordinance, 1976, “Prohibiting or controlling the placing of building materials or other articles or the fastening or detention of any animal in any street or public place is illegal.”  It also states that “Whoever causes obstruction in any street or public place by keeping or storing building materials or other articles therein shall be punishable with fine which may extend to two thousand taka and such materials or articles shall be liable to be confiscated to the Government.” Dhaka South City Corporation’s chief town planner informs that any such activity without the permission of the City Corporation is deemed illegal. He said that drives are carried out regularly to curb such incidents. He claims to be unaware of the construction work in question and said that the zonal executive is in charge of implementing the laws. They have five zonal executives who have magistracy power. They can form mobile courts and has the right to fine and seize the materials if necessary. The officer also said that if such activities are reported to the assigned zonal executive, immediate action will be taken.  

According to the World Bank estimate, approximately 300,000 to 400,000 people migrate to Dhaka each year. Considering this population boom, considerable infrastructure development is required for housing and other needs of the people. This means ongoing construction work. The question remains whether we are destined to this unbearable commuting situation every time a building work is underway. Perhaps we should look into the policies and planning of neighbouring countries like India, Japan and others. We can adopt their solutions to similar problems making alterations to fit the context of our country.

Maybe our attitude towards disregarding rules will subside considerably if strict measures are taken by the authorities concerned. Lastly, the people should also try to abide by the rules in place for the greater good of the country.

The writer is an editorial staffer of

The Independent