Kamruzzaman Bablu :The two Dhaka city corporations set up around 15,000 new small and medium dustbins last month in order to keep the city clean. It was an welcome move, but it is not working properly due to lack of city residents’ awareness and city corporations’ publicity.By this time, lids of many bins have been found missing and their bolts broken. These dustbins were set on footpaths. These bins have been provided in order to keep the roads of the both city corporations trash-free.Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Sayeed Khokon said the city corporation would begin imposing penalty system if the people make the city dirty, even after setting up of around 15,000 dustbins on the footpaths.Moreover, in most of the city areas dustbins are not being used at all. They stood by the roadside just like empty installations as mounds of trash piled up around them.Chief Waste Management Officer of the DSCC Commodore Bakhtiar told The New Nation on Thursday that first of all they would need the help of media. Besides, they will also regularly conduct cleanliness campaign. DSCC has been setting up 6,000 new bins at different place in their areas, he said.Dwellers of the city alleged that due to lack of proper monitoring and maintenance, those bins are being stolen and broken.Sources said, the two city corporations have been setting up new dustbins to make the city clean. And the corporation authorities said that the work would be completed within this month.Although several quarters appreciated the move for the sake of clean Dhaka, due to lack mass awareness those dustbins are not being used properly.General Secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) Abdul Matin said, “There were reports of stealing large size bins in parts of Dhaka city. Therefore, I fear the comparatively smaller bins can also be stolen or theft.” He said, “These bins certainly will help making Dhaka city clean if we can secure these from being stolen and ensure their proper use.” Besides, setting up mobile courts to fine those disobeying the rules should be considered, he added. General Secretary of Poribesh Bachao Andolon (POBA) Md Abdus Sobhan echoed Matin saying, “If public awareness could not be built, the bins would see no success.” He said, “First, the city authorities have to conduct awareness campaigns. Afterwards, legal action can be taken against the defaulters.” Sobhan urged the urban planners for drawing long-term arrangements for the capital. He also asked the city authorities whether they have any plan for creating mass awareness.A study carried out by BRAC Institute of Governance and Development- 2015 revealed that Dhaka currently generates an estimated 6,110 tonnes of solid waste daily from its homes, businesses, commercial facilities and streets.
